Scotland's future is in Europe
As the far-right threats rise, the case for an independent Scotland and closer ties with Europe only grows stronger by the day, says Scottish Green Co-Leader Lorna Slater.
Ms Slater’s words for Europe Day, an annual celebration of peace and unity across the continent come in the wake of the sweeping far-right victory in English local elections.
Ms Slater said:
“Europe Day gives us a space to reflect on Scotland’s past, present and future.
“Before Nigel Farage’s Brexit party and the Tories made the disastrous decision to take us out of the European Union, we were able to enjoy the opportunities and connections offered by freedom of movement.
“Five years later we are still picking up the pieces of a Brexit that people in Scotland overwhelmingly rejected. Limited movement between countries for work and leisure. Skilled worker shortages that result in lots of hurdles to jump over for European’s rights to work in Scotland and vice versa.
“Labour is surrendering even more of their own values and trading away its own red lines, which lets parties like Reform who represent some of the most divisive politics rise in popularity without doing very much else."
This has come despite polling this week showing that more than two-thirds of those who voted for Starmer’s Government last year would prioritise EU relations over cosying up to Trump.
Ms Slater added:
“Scotland deserves better. As a self-governing country, we could reconnect with Europe to build strong ties again.
“With the creep of fascism around the world, serious climate breakdown and the UK’s political landscape changing, the case for Scotland to reconnect with the EU grows stronger every day.”