Rejoining the EU

Scotland voted to remain in the European Union on 23th June 2016 - a fact conveniently ignored by successive Westminster governments who delivered the hardest Brexit possible to Scottish voters. We believe that the best way to build a more prosperous and equal Scotland is to be a full, independent member of the EU - shown throughout this article in the benefits that EU membership brings to Scottish people, industries and the economy.

Scotland was forcibly removed from the world’s largest single market - a huge blow to Scottish businesses and consumers. The European Single Market is seven times larger than the UK, stimulating trade by fuelling growth and competition. We will ensure that Scotland rejoins a market with a GDP of €18 trillion, representing 15.8% of all global trade. Scottish consumers will once again have greater choice at better prices, and Scottish businesses will be able to trade freely again with 450 million consumers and businesses in 27 countries. Rejoining the European Single

EU, Scotland received almost half of the UK’s fishing funding - yet UK replacement funding allocates only 8% to the country that lands 60% of the UK’s total fishing catch. This is an unacceptable outcome for this historic and foundational Scottish industry. The SNP government will ensure that Scottish fishers get a seat at the table in shaping marine policy that truly benefits Scotland. We will fight for the funding and respect that the industry deserves, at the UK and EU level.

farmers. Despite the vow of Westminster Brexiteers that funding would remain at CAP levels in a post-Brexit Britain, funding has fallen significantly short - endangering Scottish farms and agricultural workforce. Hostile immigration policies have removed agricultural jobs from the skilled worker visa, leaving Scottish farmers unable to fill vacancies and thrive. Scottish agriculture deserves stability, and rejoining the EU as an independent member state with a government that fights for Scotland at the helm is the only way to achieve this.

The UK government’s disastrous Brexit deal has stolen countless opportunities from Scotland’s learners and workforce. No longer do we have the right to work, live and study in 27 EU countries - which brought an incredible wealth of skills and knowledge to Scottish industries. Access to EU funded research grants and mobility schemes has been stripped, impacting international partnerships and development for Scotland’s higher education institutions. For the continued advancement of our renowned education institutions, and their staff and students, Scotland must regain full access to these grant schemes as an independent member of the EU. No more generations of Scots should be disadvantaged by Brexit.

You only have to look at our Scandinavian neighbours, or even closer at our Celtic cousins in Ireland to see how small independent nations can prosper within the EU. A union where all nations are equal and have a seat at the table for decision making, unlike the so-called voluntary union we are currently locked into.

Market will create new jobs for Scotland, lower supply chain costs, and stimulate our economy - allowing Scotland to prosper.

The fishing industry in Scotland has been betrayed by the UK government’s Brexit deal. The UK-EU fishing agreement is significantly worse for the industry than the Common Fisheries Policy. Whilst we were in the

Scottish farmers have also been let down by the UK government’s promise of replacement funding for agriculture. The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) provided subsidies to ensure financial stability for

Only a vote for the SNP on May 7th can ensure that Scotland no longer feels the repercussions of a poorly executed, non-consensual Brexit. Scotland’s businesses, fishers, farmers and workforce deserve better - and Scotland deserves the chance to prosper. The SNP government will continue to work tirelessly to retain a strong relationship with Brussels, and I am committing to putting the arguments for rejoining the EU as an independent member state to the Scottish people in a confirmatory referendum.