SNP Conference endorses Scotland’s case for an independent nation within the EU

The Spring Conference of the Scottish National Party (SNP), a member of the European Free Alliance, took place in Edinburgh on April 27-28, welcoming 3.000 delegates of the biggest political party in Scotland.

EFA President, Lorena López de Lacalle, and EFA Director, Gunther Dauwen, attended the 2-days conference in which First Minister Nicola Sturgeon delivered a keynote speech on Scotland’s case for an independent country within the European Union.

On the campaign ahead of the second referendum on independence, she said:

 “We should not enter this campaign thinking of people as No voters or Yes voters, Remainers or Leavers, but as fellow citizens who all want the best for ourselves, our families and for Scotland’s future.

We are establishing a non-party Citizens’ Assembly, so that people from across Scotland can guide the conversation. Independence, after all, is about the future of everyone who lives here.

Independence is about the children we can lift out of poverty.And the fairer, more equal society we can create. That starts with building confidence in the economic case. Answering people’s questions, addressing their concerns, and inspiring them about the future.”

On the EU membership, she said:

“Our economic and social ambitions can best be realised if Scotland is a member of the European Union.

The EU is far from perfect, but membership is not just about economic and social benefits – substantial though those are. It is also about the values we cherish – freedom, democracy, the rule of law, equality, respect for human dignity and human rights.

For independent countries of our size, the EU does not curtail sovereignty – it enhances and amplifies it”.

On SNP’s campaign for the European Parliament elections:

“We stand up for Scotland in Europe as well.

When the history of the SNP is written, there will be a special place for Winnie Ewing, and the late Allan Macartney and Neil MacCormick. Not just giants of our movement, but formidable figures who advanced Scotland’s interests on the international stage.

In recent years, Alyn Smith and Ian Hudghton have continued that tradition. Ian has championed Scotland’s cause in the European Parliament for more than 20 years – he has been a passionate advocate for Scotland’s interests. As he steps down, we thank him for all he has done for our party, for independence and for Scotland.

Alyn, we hope, will be going back to Brussels. Our job is to make sure he is taking others from our fantastic group of candidates with him”.

On Brexit, she said:

“The SNP will not vote for a Tory Brexit and we will not vote for a Labour Brexit. Our policy is no Brexit. That is what the people of Scotland voted for, and that is what should happen.”

You can read the transcript of the full speech here.