Sturgeon outlines role in Europe

Jan 27 2013

Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has written to EU foreign ministers outlining the role of Scotland within Europe as a "constructive member" and her opposition to David Cameron's in/out referendum.

In the letter, Ms Sturgeon highlighted the importance of the European market to Scotland's economy.

She said: "The ability to trade within a single market of 500 million citizens is a central aspect of our strategy to stimulate growth by increasing international trade.

"The European Union continues to be Scotland's top overseas export destination, our exports to the EU are up by around 15% to over £11 billion according to figures released this week."

The letter also set out Ms Sturgeon's intent for Scotland to work together with the rest of Europe on social and environmental issues for EU residents as well as in a global context.

She added: "The Scottish Government does consider there to be a case for reform of certain aspects of the EU. Scotland is currently playing a significant role in the process of reforming the Common Fisheries Policy.

"We would also like to see more ambitious EU targets on carbon emissions and more generally we are supportive of the on-going process of institutional reform aimed at streamlining decision making and increasing transparency.

"However, we understand that those reform ambitions can only be achieved through dialogue with Member States from within the EU. That is why we do not support the holding of an in/out referendum on the United Kingdom's membership. We have no intention of leaving the European Union."

Conservative deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said: "The people of Scotland will look on with dismay at yet more self-important posturing from Nicola Sturgeon in the same week it emerged that less than a quarter of people want to break away from the UK.

"Her increasingly pompous rhetoric illustrates perfectly just how desperate the SNP is to avoid the crucial question of what a separate Scotland's position would be within the EU."