28/06/2016 Scottish Parliament

1982-2010... We are leaving the House of Commons to go live to the

Scottish Parliament were First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will make a

statement on the UK referendum on the EU. I would ask any member who

wishes to speak against the motion to press request to speak button now

and I call on Joe Fitzpatrick to move the motion. No member has asked

to speak against the motion so I will put the question to the

Chamber. Our agreed? Yes, we are all agreed. The next item of business is

a statement by the First Minister on the EU referendum. Before I call the

First Minister I would say a few words. This is the first opportunity

we've had to come together since the monumental events of last week. The

consequences of the EU referendum for Scotland are clearly complex and

will take some time to fully emerge. I am determined that the Parliament

is able to play a full role in this process, that we are able to be a

voice and provide a platform for every voice in this debate and to

scrutinise the reactions of the government in this matter. I am

determined that the Parliament is able to respond to events as they

develop also I have instructed the Parliamentary authorities to ensure

that resources are available over the summary says if necessary to

support a recall of Parliament, should I deem it necessary. I will

remain in close contact with party leaders and with the business

managers to discuss this matter and to report back to Parliament

regularly on progress. Thank you. I call on the First Minister. Thank

you very much, Presiding Officer. This is not a statement I wanted to

make. The Scottish Government did not seek a referendum on membership

of the EU, and we certainly did not want this result. While of course I

respect the views of all those who voted, the UK result leaves me

deeply disappointed and profoundly concerned. The Scottish Government

continues to believe that membership of the European Union is in their

best interests of Scotland, four our economy, society, culture and place

and the world. And not just for Scotland but for the rest of the UK.

That is why with the great majority of members of this Parliament and

all the party leaders, I campaigned hard for a remain result. I am proud

that Scotland voted to remain within the EU, and that we did so

emphatically. It is of course important for all of us to recognise

that some in Scotland did not vote to remain, but instead to leave the

EU, and I want to make it clear that, as we move forward, I am

committed to listening, understanding and seeking to address

the concerns that they have. However more than 60% of voters across

Scotland and the majority in every single one of our 32 local authority

area said clearly that wanted Scotland to stay in the EU. Scotland

voted to stay inside the single market and to protect the jobs,

investment and trade that depend on it. We chose Debian open, inclusive

and outward looking society where other EU citizens are welcomed to

live, work and contribute. We voted to protect freedom and prosperity

that comes with our rights to travel, live, work and study in

other European countries. And we endorse the principle of independent

countries working together to tackle global issues like climate change,

energy security and the fight against terrorism. Scotland spoke

clearly for remain, and I am determined that Scotland was my

voice will be heard. We are now of course in uncharted territory. We

face risk and uncertainty greater perhaps than at any time in the

post-war period. We are ready seeing some of the early consequences.

There has been extraordinary volatility in equity and currency

markets. Yonder financial markets, there are suggestions that companies

are considering relocating jobs and diverging investment and that others

are concerned about the future access to skilled workers. The

Chancellor emerged yesterday, I would say from hiding although it

was beginning to feel like that, the tellers that the UK aces the future

from a position of strength. Just hours later they pound reached a 31-

year low and the standard and Poor ratings agency downgraded the treble

eight credit rating of the UK. Like all of us, I hope that we will see

an early return of stability and some confidence. However, I fear

that we are still in the early days of this period of risk and

uncertainty. Presiding Officer, these are times that all pop and

suppose, purpose and clarity, in short, for leadership. That is why

the vacuum that has developed at Westminster is so acceptable.

Politicians who propose this referendum, no matter how bruised

they feel by the result have a duty now to step up to deal with the

consequences of its outcome. Those who campaigned for the leave vote

making another promises the process must now be clear and honest about

their plans to deliver. One thing I think is clear. There cannot be

three months of drift now while both the government and main opposition

parties at Westminster emerge -- immerse themselves in internal

elections. That would compound the difficult situation we are already

facing and risk even more damage to our economy. We have heard that,

almost incredibly, there was no plan for this outcome. It is my view that

the UK Government must now get a grip on this. First, to restore

stability and confidence, then to set out its plan for the way

forward. And it must involve the Scottish Government in that work at

every step of the way. The Scottish Government is already hard at work.

I have set three priorities for our work in immediate term. I want to

reassure those from other countries who have chosen to make Scotland

their home, I made a commitment to them on the morning on the result

and they want to repeat it here today. You are welcome in Scotland,

this is your home and we value your contribution.

APPLAUSE This commitment is all the more

important in light of reported racist attacks in the wake of last

week 's result. Letters as a Parliament Unite today, to make

clear that Scotland is an open and welcoming country and that

prejudice, hate and racism will not be tolerated, now or at any time.

The terms of the motion we debate this afternoon I thought this whole

Chamber the chance to send that message loudly and clearly. Alistair

Allan, the Minister for Europe, stressed, commitment to EU citizens

resident in Scotland and over the next week I will post consuls

general from all the EU member states to provide further

reassurance in the weeks and months ahead. The Deputy First Minister is

also taking steps to reassure EU students, already studying in awed

you do come to Scotland, of their continued place in our academic

community, and I welcome the commitment from Aberdeen University

to guarantee the Jewish and EU students for the duration of their

course, whatever the UK does. -- tuition for. We have been speaking

to as this is, organisations and stakeholders to provide as much

clarity as we possibly can, and to understand the concerns and

perspectives of all those affected by this period of damaging

uncertainty. We have made clear in those discussions, Scotland remains

a stable and attractive place for business and investment. Our ability

to trade with EU countries continues unaffected by the result of the

referendum until the UK concludes any negotiations and it is my

intention that we will secure continued access to the single

market for Scotland. I summoned a resilience meeting within a few

hours of the result being confirmed, to review with ministerial

colleagues the early impact and the Scottish Government 's Land's End

actions in response. The following morning, Saturday, I chaired the

meeting of the Scottish Cabinet. My colleagues reported on their

immediate engagement across different sectors and communities in

Scotland. That engagement continues to inform our planning and response.

Scotland is a good place to do business. Let us be clear about

that. Letters also be clear about this. If, in the circumstances the

UK is now in, Scotland does find a way to maintain or ablation should

the EU, as I am determined we will, then Scotland will become an even

more attractive place to do business, and I want to make sure

that we are alert to those opportunities. Presiding Officer,

this government and Parliament will not look in on ourselves. We will

listen and we will lead. That is what people expect, and that is what

we must continue to do. Let me turn now to our third and overriding

priority. Through all of this, I am determined, utterly determined, to

protect Scotland 's relationship with and are placed in the European

Union. The formal process of UK leaving the EU does not start until

the Prime Minister notifies the European Council of the terms of

article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty of an intention to withdraw. As the

Prime Minister made clear on Friday morning, he does not intend to make

that notification. It will be a matter for his successor. That means

we are not yet at the stage of formal negotiations. It is vital,

however, that we seize the chance we have before these negotiations

start, to ensure that Scotland 's voice is heard as widely as

possible, in London, in Brussels and by member states across Europe. The

Prime Minister gave me a commitment on Friday morning to the full

engagement of the Scottish Government, and to ensure that the

interest of all parts of the UK are protected and advanced. Today I seek

the Parliament 's authority to hold the pie minister and his successor

to that commitment. This week I have discussed the situation with the

president of the club -- of the Republic of Ireland, who will

address the Chamber tomorrow. I had an constructive discussion this

morning with the Taoiseach. We are in touch with other heads of state

including through the British Irish Council which met in Glasgow before

the referendum, and which I expect me meet again very shortly. I spoke

on Friday with a mirror of London and this morning that the chief

minister of Gibraltar to discuss the shared interests we now have in

protecting our relationship with Europe. The government is directly

in touch with the governments of other member states, both to repeat

our assurance that their citizens are welcoming Scotland, and to make

clear Scotland 's strong commitment to our relationship with Europe. We

have been in touch with the European Commission and Parliament in

Brussels, responding to messages of encouragement and support for the

work ahead. Through these contacts we have again emphasise the

overwhelming support in Scotland for staying in the European Union, and

the commitment of the Scottish Government to protecting our

relationship with Europe. These contacts are, of course, just the

start. Tomorrow, I will make an initial visit to Brussels to set out

Scotland 's position and interest to representatives of the major groups

in the European Parliament, and to the president of the European

Parliament, Martin Schultz. I expect to hear from the Prime Minister on

the outcome of the European Council taking place this week and,

following that, I intend to set out Scotland 's position directly to the

European Commission. We are following up our first contact with

other member states, the Cabinet Secretary for culture, Europe and

external affairs met the ambassador was of Slovakia, Germany and France

to share our response to the result and our determinations to protect

Scotland 's relationship with Europe.

Presiding officer, we have made a good start, our early priority is to

spread awareness in Europe of Scotland's different choice in the

referendum, and our aspiration to stay in the European Union. We will

intensify this work in the weeks and days that lie ahead for is the it is

my responsibility to ensure that Scotland's voice is heard in Europe,

and I intend to do so. I have been very clear, I want our work to be

guided at every step of the way by expert advice and wide experience.

We have a great deal of work to do, basing government, and a parliament.

To set out and evaluate all the impact of the referendum results,

and all the options open to Scotland to secure our relationship with the

European Union. For that reason, I'm setting up a standing counsel of

experts to give advice to me and the government on how best to achieve

our EU objectives. This will be a team of experts on finance, and

political and constitutional opinions. It will provide the

government with access to a wealth of knowledge built up over the use

of experience. The council will consider the impact of proposed

changes to the UK's relationship with the EE on Scottish interests,

and advise Scottish ministers on the best way to secure Scottish

interests and objectives. Membership of the council will be flexible to

ensure we have access to appropriate advice as and when it is required.

However I can advise Parliament to date it will be chaired by a

principal of Glasgow University, and include Professor Sir David Edward,

former judge of the European Court of Justice. Dame Edwards, formerly

of Nato. John McKay one of the country's leading economists. And

Glover, former chief scientific adviser to the president of the

European Commission. Charles Grant, director for the centre of European

reform. David Martin, Labour member of the European Parliament. I intend

to publish the full list of initial members later today. Presiding

officer I have set out for Parliament the action we have taken

so far since the results of the referendum became clear. The nation

we shall debate shortly invites the Parliament to give me and my

government a mandate to continue this work, and to explore every

option for retaining Scotland's relationship with the European

Union. I very much hope it will attract support across this chamber.

The motion calls on the government to report back to Parliament and the

European committee, and we will do so. I will keep party leaders

informed of progress, and asked the Cabinet Secretary for Europe to keep

counterparts fully informed over the Parliamentary recess. I ensure the

chamber that we will return to Parliament to seek approval of any

outcome to the discussions. I believe there is a role for key

committees in the Scottish Parliament to contribute to this

vital process. I will be very happy to discuss that with the European

committee of the earliest opportunity. Presiding Officer, let

me turn finally to the matter of independence. I want to be clear to

Parliament, while I believe independence is the best option for

Scotland, I don't think that will come as a surprise to anyone, it is

not my starting point in these discussions. My starting point is to

protect Scotland's interests, and protect our relationship with the

EU. However I am in no doubt there has been a very real material change

to Scotland's circumstances brought about by last week's referendum

result. There is no doubt we are not very different place week from last.

During the independence referendum will be told staying in the UK made

me to benefit from having guaranteed access to the a driving factor in

many people's votes will stop that is no longer true. The country that

that usual settlement people voted for in 2014 is no longer a reality.

Based on a very clear result in Scotland, if we were to be removed

from the EU, it will be against the will of our people, democratically

unacceptable. It is for that reason that I have said everything must be

on the table to protect our place in Europe, including a second

independence referendum. To ensure that the option of holding a

referendum within the time frame of UK negotiations on leaving the EE

five double to liquor -- leaving the EE is viable, we will prepare

legislation. If the government does conclude that the best and only way

to protect Scotland's place in the EE is through a referendum to

independence, we will return to Parliament with that judgment, and

it will be for Parliament to decide. I am emphatically not asking

Parliament to endorse that statement to date. A vote for this motion is

not a vote for a referendum on independence. I hope this will

remove any option for the Conservatives not to back this

option. It would be very regrettable if the party that has put us in this

decision is the only one standing in our way in the efforts to resolve

it. Voting to deny us Parliament to support for our discussions with

Parliamentary organisations and EU members, would be to frustrate

Scotland's interests. Residing officer, the position we find

ourselves in is not of our making. There is no easy path ahead. At this

stage there are no guaranteed outcomes. My job is to navigate the

best possible path of Scotland, one that protects our interests, and

gives effect to what the people of our country voted for. That is what

I'm determined to do. As I do so, I promise I will be open and frank

with Parliament and the Scottish people about the options, challenges

that we face. I hope we can move forward in a spirit of unity and

national purpose. Presiding officer, my final .2 days this. While our

agenda on Europe is vital, we must not allow us to distract from the

business of governing Scotland, delivering only priorities I set out

only a month ago. Later to David the First Minister will underline our

determination to promote excellence and equity in our education system

by publishing Avenue education delivery plan. We will not waver in

our determination to promote equalities, the economy and our

situation of priorities. This situation will not stop us making

Scotland a better country for people living and working here. Our

decision to protect our place in the European Union will be part of that

work. Presiding officer, to conclude I am asking Parliament to recognise

the position Scotland has been placed in by the referendum result,

a physician at odds with the will of the Scottish people. -- a position.

I'm asking the Scottish parliament is support the motion we're bringing

forward today. Scotland has voted to remain in Europe, we must take all

the action necessary to insure the will of the Scottish people is

respected. I am asking the chamber to support the government in the

challenge that lies ahead of us, and for all of us to work together and

to do our best to turn this moment of disappointment and regret into a

new and promising beginning based on our common values our shared

commitment to the people we serve. APPLAUSE.

Can I thank the First Minister for her statement? Rather than take

questions, we will move to a full debate on the European referendum.

Can I ask the Cabinet Secretary for culture to move the motion for the

First Minister? Formally moved. Can I ask the ministers wishing to speak

to press their buttons. I suggest we allow the opening speakers from each

party not to be interrupted. I call on Ruth Davidson. Presiding officer,

I thank the First Minister for advanced notice of her statement.

Too often political events are described as seismic, the tremors

are more for politicians than working people. Last week's

referendum was not one of them. It is a defining moment in our

country's story. Deeply significant for all of us. I find myself

reflecting, this time seven days ago I was in final preparations for the

BBC debate arguing in favour of the European Union, where I was told we

were overplaying the impact of Brexit. A week is a long time in

politics. Major constitutional decisions, like EU and Scottish

independence have major economic consequences. Last week's decision

was not the one I supported, not the one I campaigned for. I am deeply

disappointed by the result. The first message I want to send

two-day, my belief in our capacity to meet the challenges we face has

not diminished one inch. Those challenges are great, indeed.

Complex. Questions upon questions, with more that have not been

formulated, never mind answered. We are a nation with a fundamentally

strong economy, educated workforce, developed a diplomatic network, and

a capacity to overcome the challenges we face, of that I am

certain. We are seeking to amend the gunmen's motion, let me set out

where we support it. First and foremost, let us unite in this

Parliament saying to people across the European Union, you are welcome,

you are wanted, your contribution is recognised, this is your own. Too

often, I fear... I fear the referendum debate is guilty

discussing the contribution of EU migrants to this country as some

sort of necessary evil, to fill the gaps in our labour market. Let us

say it loud and clear, we don't just need your labour, we want your

values, your brains, your culture and we want you. Let us unite in

expressing the discuss in the attacks that EU citizens have faced

in the day since referendum. The Scottish Conservatives pledge their

support for the Scottish Government work with the UK Government in the

coming weeks and months at the very negotiations are taking forward. It

cannot be overstated how important this new settlement will be for all

of us. It will define our new relationship with the European Union

for generations. It is vital we get it right. It is vital all the voices

are heard in putting the deal together. I won the First Minister

of Scotland involved. I want the first ministers of Wales and

Northern Ireland involved. Having stood alongside him last week,

having seen him argue for the city, I can be so Lisa Dowd what the Mayor

of London involved too. I'm pleased the Prime Minister has said he wants

the default administrations involved. The correct way to

progress. Even though the vote was to leave the EU, how emotion makes

it clear we want to protect and maximise Scotland's place in Europe

and the single market. I am not going to try and pretend this will

be easy. My scepticism is on record. We all have a duty to those many

people whose jobs rely on trade with EU member states to put scepticism

to one side, and push for the best possible deal. In so doing, we need

to ask practical questions, do we want Scotland to remain subject to

EU law? Denouement powers over fishing, farming and the environment

held in Brussels or this chamber? How do we protect the rights of the

Scottish financial services industry? Some of the practical

tasks that will lie ahead in the short and medium term. In saying

that, I do not brush aside the more fundamental consequences of last

weeks results? Consequences in Scotland have a wider and deeper

significance. As our amendment makes clear, Scotland and Northern Ireland

are to leave the European Union even though the majority did not want it.

In response the First Minister has made it clear in the days since the

date that she was to explore what options are available to Scotland.

Let me say where we agree. We welcome the formation of a standing

counsel of experts will stop the more expertise we have the better.

If the Scottish Government wants to explore Scotland's options from

within the United Kingdom, we can support that. After this stage we

have concerns with the Scottish gunmen's approach since the days the

result was announced. I cannot support that the Scottish gunmen had

pushed questions of independence from consent. The First Minister's

announcement that she had instructed Scottish officials to draw up the

necessary legislation for a second referendum for independence. Nor can

I ignore the First Minister justifying this on the basis... In

order to remain European country, a referendum may have to happen. I

heard the first Mr telling us this nation is nothing to do with

independence. In the days since the result last week, it feels too many

people that the SNP is talking about nothing but independence, doing so

today. The First Minister speaks of people

in Scotland worried and outraged at the EU result. I feel duty bound to

speak up for the many people of Scotland who have contacted myself

and my colleagues in the past few days to say that they, too, are

deeply worried about the prospect of another referendum on independence.

That is why we have included our opposition to this post back in our

amendment today. You do not dampen the shock waves caused by one

referendum by lighting the fuse on another nor by saying that the

economic impact of leaving one union says that you should leave the union

whose value and trade eclipses the other many times over. My abdomen is

this post BR admits in favour of the UK in 2014 were not based on the

risk of independence as convincing as they were, but because I believe

that we, in Britain, have more in common than that which divides us.

Does last week 's vote test that motion 's registered does, and there

is little point in pretending otherwise. It tests, but it does not

break it. It does not break the continuing logic of sharing power

with the United Kingdom, not splitting from it. It does not break

the arguments in favour of or in single market, a market that is more

important to Scotland 's prosperity than the EU, not less. It does not

break our shared story which despite the shock waves of the last few

days, will endure. And the referendum result last week does not

overturn the vote we had 21 months ago to remain part of the UK. I know

that many people are hurt by the week -- last week 's result, pulling

some have voted no in 2014. I am one of them. But the lesson of last week

's referendum are not a simple them and us, not when 1 million of our

countrymen voted to leave, too. The lessons are far more profound. We

have more in common across the UK than that which divides us? Yes, we

have way, way too much in common. We have people who feel disempowered

and voiceless. Anger at the way that power has been abused in politics,

finance and the media, frustration and lack of access and barriers to

social mobility and a growing sense of insecurity amongst families who

feel that the world is passing them by. These are the questions we must

face up to as a country, as we reflect on this debate. And they

affect all of us, no matter which part of the UK you are from. These

are the questions we should be answering, not repeating the same

old arguments of the past. Presiding Officer, I think we can all agree

that referendums are bruising, and not just bruising but on matters of

such significance, they are wounding, too. From now on, I hope

we find time to learn the right lessons, not the wrong ones, to

emerge as a stronger society, a better nation and they still United

Kingdom. I moved the amendment in my name. Recall Kezia Dugdale.

Presiding Officer, we live in uncertain times. The social,

political and economic order has been turned upside down. It will

take many months and years for us to fully grasp the consequences. We

have already seen the collapse in the pound, the fall in the value of

companies, businesses uncertain about people and investments. Those

whose jobs rely on access to the EU single market worry what the future

holds. That may echo what other people have said in our message to

EU migrants living and working in Scotland. You contribute not to just

do the economy but to society and a culture that we have built together,

so let me say to the 180,000 EU migrants living in Scotland on

behalf of these benches, you are welcome.

APPLAUSE 20% of them live here in Edinburgh.

A city that I have a great honour of representing in this Parliament. 74%

here voted to remain, one of the highest results in all of the United

Kingdom. I know that there are people in this great city who,

despite the support from their neighbours, now feel ill at ease.

Because they have built their lives here and they now feel uncertain and

anxious. As we fight for their rights and against the rising racism

we must continue to show them love and understanding. We must also

understand, however, that there were only in Scots who voted to leave the

European Union. -- there were 1 million Scots. The Leave campaign

contained some of the worst dog whistle racism and xenophobia that I

have heard in my life. APPLAUSE

Dog whistles that prone to foghorns whenever Nigel Farage spoke or

unveiled a poster. That does not make every leave both a xenophobe or

right-winger. There are working class communities here in Edinburgh

and in Glasgow, just as there are in Sunderland and Sheffield, who feel

powerless and are angry at the establishment. I was at the Glasgow

count. I saw boxes in the First Minister 's own constituency split

50-50. Here in Edinburgh, in the seat I sought to represent, the

pro-communities in Madrid he wanted out, as they did in Sighthill and

elsewhere in the city. This is the result, even in Scotland is not as

straightforward as some have sought to pretend, and of us in this

Chamber have a duty to better understand that and to listen and to

Act upon what we hear. But we didn't vote in community 's, constituencies

towns and as nations, we voted as one country, the United Kingdom. A

country that we, as Scots, reaffirmed our commitment to just 18

months ago. Millions of Scots want to be part of both unions. And that

is why it is so important that we give the First Minister a la support

to do everything she can to secure Scotland 's place in the European

Union -- our support. We will support the government efforts to do

the best it can to mitigate the worst of Brexit, but to strengthen

also Scotland 's ties with European neighbours and allies. The priority

must be securing jobs and the rights of workers. And all options for

protecting Scotland 's place in a single market must be explored,

including a federalised United Kingdom which could see both nations

of the UK who voted to remain retained their membership and

achieve associated status. The Labour Party stands ready to offer

assistance where they can to the government. But that support is not

unconditional. This Parliament will soon go into recess and not return

for two months. It used to be said week was a long time in politics.

One day in British politics just now feels like a lifetime. And in that

context, two months is an eternity. Our recall of Parliament cannot be

ruled out. The First Minister may leave this Chamber with the faith of

these benches to speak to Europe and the best interests of securing

Scotland 's future in the EU and the UK, but that faith can only be

maintained by regular communication and involvement and briefings from

government to opposition parties. A faith maintained by the continued

understanding that, as First Minister, she travels to Europe with

a duty to represent Scots that voted both yes and no, Scots that voted

both remain and leave. But that they would be betrayed if, at any point,

the First Minister tries to present our support for this motion as

support for a second independence referendum. And on that basis, we

cannot support the Tory amendment, because it removes support for the

government to speak to the EU institutions and member states

regarding Scotland 's future. The last line of the Tory motion also

says this. Believes that the challenges of leaving the EU are not

addressed by leaving the UK, Scotland 's own union of Nations,

biggest market and closest friends. So let me warn Miss Davidson that

she had better not dare to suggest that Labour's failure to back her

motion is somehow a failure to back the United Kingdom. And I struggle

to put into words that the anger that I feel towards her party at the

moment. And anger that has been building since David Cameron

announced in this post for English laws within minutes of the Scottish

independence referendum result. And anger that grew when her party set

Scottish voters against English voters in a hugely divisive and

disingenuous to thousands 15 campaign. Anger at a party that

forced this EU referendum on a country that did not want it, only

to resolve a contest in the Tory Party!

APPLAUSE And Tory campaign in last month 's

election that told the nation that all that mattered was whether he

wore a unionist or a Nationalist -- whether you wear red unionist and

Nationalist. That had no vision for Scotland and boiled down to just two

key messages. One, you can only trust the Tories to protect the

union. How is that going now, Ruth? And two, that the Tories would for a

strong opposition. And all that they stand opposed to today is giving the

First Minister some support to speak to EU institutions about our future.

The Tories up at the future of the United Kingdom in danger of every

kind, and it is I time they showed some responsibility for that.

APPLAUSE Presiding Officer, the priority of

these benches is to focus on jobs and the economy and make the best of

a very bad situation, and we will support the government tonight to do

just that. APPLAUSE

I called Patrick Harvie. I am grateful for the opportunity to

contribute to a debate which, like others, I wish we were not having to

have. I would like to thank the First Minister four for an advance

copy of her statement and I agree with the substance of it, and I

appreciate the tone in which it was made all stop can I also thank my

own colleagues in the Scottish Green Party you went out and campaign?

They were tired, they put their energy, like all party activists and

campaigners, their energy, time and money into an election campaign for

national elections just weeks previously, but they went out and

campaigned and, along with colleagues across the political

spectrum, they secured a strong a democratic mandate from the people

of Scotland, we are European and we are staying European. I want to

endorse the First Minister 's comments about immigration in

particular. And our respect for migrants who come here, you have

chosen to be part of our society, whether from the EU or from other

parts of the world, who are feeling excluded, feeling divided from our

society, as we speak. As a German citizen who spoke at a rally outside

Parliament make clear, the feeling of isolation, many people have been

forced to endure over recent weeks and months is unacceptable. There is

a Jedinak anger at -- legitimate Angharad years of political and

media pandering to racism and xenophobia that has taken place in

this country, and those who are responsible for that, those in

politics and in the media who have taken part in that there are a heavy

responsibility for the scenes that we have now seen. The far right and

racist tendencies which have been cultivated during this campaign and

given disturbing expression since the result, must be opposed. The

failure of the political mainstream, and I think Kezia Dugdale had a very

sound point on this, the failure of the political mainstream to build an

economy which works for the common good has left huge numbers of April

feeling angry and alienate it. Those feelings are justified. The Brexit

debate has channelled them into the politics of division and hatred,

both at home and risks giving momentum to far right and

anti-European movements elsewhere across Europe. Bolieve campaigns,

both of them, were Alty of far more explicitly cultivating this

reaction. But even remain side in my opinion fell significantly to give a

robust challenge to the notion that Eagle 's right to freedom movement

is somehow a burden to stop in truth it is a principle of huge

importance. And it is one which the Green Party will continue to defend.

We will certainly be supporting the government motion tonight and I want

to make it clear that we will continue to advocate for the clear

mandate that has been given by the people of Scotland, as advocated

also by many of our European colleagues in a number of different

political parties. I would like to thank those in the European Green

movement who have helped soften the language around an immediate

triggering of Article 50, which will give no time for the serious

consideration necessary or for the contribution that the Scottish

Government is expected to make on all of our behalf, to the

negotiation process. That process must be allowed time. All options as

well must remain on the table for achieving that. This is clearly a

unique situation that we are facing. Our path towards EU membership, if

it takes place, will also be unique and paired with any other part of

the EU membership that the country has taken and it may be that after

exploring all options, far more people than voted yes in 2040 make

include that independence is the only way to achieve it. -- in 2014.

We have a contrast. The clear assertion of Scotland 's mandate

with the utter chaos we see in the Leave camp and a fundamental

dishonesty in their campaign. How many times will be told that the

campaign was intended to "Take back control" stock take back control of

borders, money, however spurious figures were about money, and now

they are claiming that we can stay in a single market. There is no such

thing as a single market, if you don't have free movement of labour.

It is a fundamental aspect of the free market. It is also abundantly

clear that accessed that the market, that single market will also include

a financial contribution if it can even be negotiated.

This is that is something that needs to be challenged. I have no surprise

we ever heard of dishonesty, racism, from the likes of Boris Johnson,

Ukip and the right-wing media. We cannot allow that kind of rhetoric

or language to be part of the Scottish political landscape. I

would like to remind the chamber something Ruth Davidson said when we

were debating a different constitutional transition not so

very long ago, she said those opposing transition must have the

trust of the people to safeguard national security, the nation

state's economic security, and safeguard the nation state's

political security by establishing its place in the world through

membership of international organisations such as the European

Union. How is that going right now? The UK Government has demonstrated a

historic failure on all three counts, across people of this

country, Scotland and the wider United Kingdom. Ruth Davidson also

argues the 2014 results must be respected, just as much as this

year's referendum result. The 2014 result is fundamentally superseded.

I would remind the chamber of a comment from the better together

campaign, on the 2nd of September 2014, weeks before the referendum.

What is the process for removing our AEEU citizenship? Voting yes. -- our

AEEU citizenship? People voted on a false prospectus and promise that

membership of the European Union would be protected in those

circumstances, and it has not been. I have personally spoken to people,

strangers and friends across the political spectrum. I even have

friends who vote Tory, telling me they are ready to re-evaluate the no

vote they cast in 2014, May one has the right to close down that four

people in Scotland. Residing officer, the Greens will continue to

respect the mandate of voters in Scotland, given so clearly. It must

ensure that all options remain on the table, on that basis we will

certainly support the actions the First Minister has set out in

preparing the ground for a further independence referendum should it be

necessary and be the will of the people of Scotland. We will support

the right of the Scottish Government to enter into the negotiations,

while respecting the need for them to return and secure a Parliamentary

majority every step of the way. We will continue to express respect for

the people who have moved to Scotland, contributed to our

society, and continue to advocate, whatever solution that Scotland and

the rest of the UK seek, free movement of people remains a

fundamental principle. We will advocate for the human rights, the

social protection, the quality, the strong environmental protection, the

achievements hard-won which the European Union has helped to

achieve, and which are directly under threat by the decision so

recklessly taking a week ago. Thank you, presiding officer. I have

lost elections, I took my loss in Dunfermline in 2010 very hard and

very personally. No election defeat has made me feel like I felt in the

early hours of last Friday. A deep sense of loss. Loss of part of my

soul, and what I believe to be the sole of this country. Outward

looking, compassionate, tolerant, open, generous. These are the

attributes I associate with my country. A country that does not

walk on the other side of the road. But that is exactly what our country

did last Thursday. There are the practical benefits, too. Tackling

crime with a European arrest warrant, that is gone. Cooperation

on climate change, gone. Single market, gone. Improved social

conditions gone. All of these and so many others just gone. We are

already seeing the effect on the value of the pound, company shares,

and credit ratings. I am angry that we have been recklessly led down

this path. Angry that prices in shops will rise because of the

higher cost of imports. That people's savings are falling in

value. Job losses are on the cards. Yet it is not Boris Johnson who will

suffer. Michael Gove may lose some money, he has stacks more to get by.

Nigel Farage simply does not care. Ordinary people on low and modest

incomes who will lose. These are the victims of this crisis. I hope David

Cameron is feeling guilty. He should feel guilty for imposing the

divisions of his party on the country. That responsibility applies

to every single Conservative in this Parliament, including Ruth Davidson.

The economic chaos means the Tories can never again claim to be the

defenders of the economy. After the surge in the support for

independence at the weekend, nor can the Tories claimed to be the

defenders of the union. This economic and constitutional crisis.

Ruth Davidson is not defending the union, she is undermining it. No

Tory amendment can hide that roof. With every election loss, I have

lived to fight another day. I am here today because I got off my

knees to fight and win again. The United Kingdom's place in Europe

will live to fight another day, and I are determined to fight for it. My

party will contest the next general election on a clear platform of

supporting the United Kingdom's place in Europe. 7000 new members

have joined our party to campaign with us to win their case. I want

Scotland in the United Kingdom, and the United Kingdom in Europe. That

is the best possible option, I will not settle for anything less. We do

need to understand however YY million people in Scotland voted to

leave the European Union. -- Y 1 million people. It is of little

surprise if you have a minimum wage job, zero hours contract, a house

with damp, a car failing its MOT, you believe nothing is to lose. You

may believe a Conservative Prime Minister that tells you the the

status quo is good for you. The European Union did not supply those

conditions, but they were an easy target. David Cameron and generally

call them were unable to make a case for the European Union. The First

Minister knows I oppose another independence referendum, I made that

commitment during the election last month. Two-day's nation does not

endorse independence, the First Minister has made that clear, and in

additional words beyond her statement, it was provided to us

fairly, she said that was emphatically say. I welcome that,

that is a welcome remark. I welcome the First Minister reaching out to

other parties to engage in the negotiation process. I immediately

agreed on Friday to participate, as long as it was not a cunning plan to

deliver independence. I want to explore options, whether it is

bizarrely named reverse Greenland, working with London, Northern

Ireland or Gibraltar. We need to fully understand before we move

ahead, and rushing headlong into independence will undermine those

efforts. There is so much we simply do not know. Making decisions we do

not know should be one of the lessons from last week. In my

constituency of North East Fife, I have many thriving businesses. They

are thriving in part through the hard graft of workers from across

the continent, as well as those closer to home. Working together in

harmony. Fishes, laundry services, cattle producers, farmers, hotels,

restaurants in St Andrews and beyond. They work hard, making those

businesses successful. They have married, settle, paid taxes. They

are one of us. They will never stop being one of us. I know many who

will be offended by the decision last week. I want them to know that

we're standing with them today. We are determined to recapture the soul

of this country. Once again, so it is out the looking, compassionate,

tolerant, open and generous. Thank you. -- so it is once again outward

looking. Can I take members for not intervening on the opening statement

stop point of order. Mr Findlay. The decision last Thursday had issued

consequences for all our constituents and the country. By

Friday this Parliament will have had a grand total of three hours and a

limited number of speakers called to debate this issue. We will love hath

no opportunity to question the First Minister of the government, for

other parties to question leaders of my party and the other parties. Such

is the importance of this, I think this is an issue for Parliament, not

party political issues. We must be given more time for other people to

engage in this debate, this is of huge consequence. That is not a

point of order, a matter of consideration at the business bureau

this morning. The business managers gave this a great deal of thought.

Huge demand to speak and discuss the matter. To date is this the

beginning, not the end of the matter. The opportunity to put

questions to the First Minister on Thursday, in the meantime, two-day's

debate gives many members a chance to contribute. We moved to the

debate. June McAlpine. Thank you presiding officer. I'm

sure many members from across the chamber will have been shocked as I

was this morning, to hear Lord Forsyth, on the board of the League

campaign bullishly telling BBC Radio Scotland that there was no need for

a blueprint for Brexit, it was not for Leave to have a blueprint, it

was for the government. It betrays the arrogance and recklessness of

the Brexit campaign. It is almost that the UK Government, who called

the referee did not have a blueprint. Our future would now rest

in the hands of Oliver Letwin. The Parliamentary committee saw this

coming, they have an enquiry into the consequences of Brexit,

reporting early this year. Reading through the report is a common

theme, the failure of the UK Government to provide answers, and

the failure of the UK Government even to send the Minister to listen

to the committee's concerns. Not just the committee's concerns, the

concerns of the witnesses that came to that committee. Universities,

businesses, agricultural sector. Asking what would replace the money

that comes directly to Scotland from Brussels, if there was a Leave vote.

It is worth recounting those sums. EU students at Scottish universities

pump ?174 million into the Scottish economy every year. 88 million doses

fund Scottish research and universities. Scottish farmers got a

dungeon 24 million from the EU in 2014. The National Farmers' Union in

Scotland says for every ?1 of EU payments to Scotland, that puts ?4

million into the river and economy. European structural funds in

Scotland from 2014, to 2020 is worth 929 million euros. Pain from

everything from roads to rural communities. Supporting broadband,

farm diversification. Money that comes Ju Reti from Europe as I said.

Time and time again, the report from the last Europe committee pointed

out it was not clear that the block grant would be adjusted to

compensate for the loss of the funds. That is before you consider

the losses incurred from losing access to the European market, or

our loss of European citizenship. More fundamentally the kind of

country we wish to live in. The kind of country that we want to live in,

open, welcoming to people from across Europe and other countries,

and quite the opposite of the terrible racism that others have

mentioned we saw character rising the league campaign.

While I do not speak as the new convener of the

Parliament 's offer from the First Minister to meet the committee at

the first opportunity. The government are now exploring how we

can work with others, including that you keep and EU is -- UK and EU

institutions to explore how Scotland can stay within the EU, even if

other parts of the UK, notably England, leaves. Senior political

figures in Europe have responded warmly. I was very pleased to hear

some of the comments from the debate in the Irish Parliament yesterday,

praising Scotland as an ancient European nation, one with its own

jurisdiction and one that was a very strong member and supporter of the

European ideal. I was pleased to hear Scotland 's farming Cabinet

Secretary Fergus Ewing say that his EU counterparts yesterday had been

very positive and sympathetic towards the predicament in which

Scotland finds itself. It is not impossible that such a compromise

could be reached. We have heard about the Denmark and Greenland

situation in the past. And European leaders are pragmatic in

circumstances when demanded, for example they rapidly absorbed East

Germany into the community after the bell and wall fell and the committee

of experts clearly had a vital role to play here, but we also need to be

practical. It is also likely that such an arrangement may prove

impossible to negotiate. And I noted that Sir David Edwards, who is going

to be a member of the standing committee, had expressed scepticism

about achieving this compromise. I know that he's linked to be a

witness to the committee on Thursday. I very look forward to

hearing what he has to say. I am concerned about the chances of

negotiating a compromise because much of it will require the

cooperation of a Westminster government which may soon be in the

grip of leadership even more right-wing than those that we

currently in Dewar. -- endure. Once the UK triggers the Brexit process

through section 50, it has just two years to do a deal, and unless the

Council of Europe agrees to extend the time which appears on likely

given recent statements coming out of the EU, then a guillotine will

fall under section 50 and the UK will be cut off with whatever deal

the EU decides to give it, and we cannot have Scotland similarly

marooned. If independence is then the only option remaining then we

have to have that independence referendum before the guillotine

falls, because if we vote yes, if we have a referendum after, after the

guillotine falls, and we vote yes, we would then have to renegotiate

our entry into the youth outside, which I am sure is something that

nobody wants. It is something that Kirsty Hughes, who is also going to

be a witness at the committee on Thursday, who is a member of friends

of Europe and the distinguished academic, subject, has written

extensively on. I look forward to hearing what she has to say. This is

not a headlong rush towards independence as Willie Rennie

suggested. It is a contingency measure in Scotland 's best

interests to put this legislation in place. It is an important

contingency measure. The priority now is to Act in the best interest

of all of the people of Scotland whatever their views on

independence, and I, for one, very much will back the support of other

countries across this Chamber -- parties across this Chamber because

it is important that we Act, as one, if all the people of Scotland, and

we will also always be led by the people of Scotland and their

interests, first and foremost. Adam Tomkins to be followed by Richard

Lockett. I said in my maiden speech in this Parliament, I wanted the

United Kingdom to remain in the EU. And like all members on these

benches to say that I am disappointed in last week 's result

is something of an understatement. My real reaction to the result could

not be translated into Parliamentary language. I have seen nothing since

Friday to make me think that I was wrong and I believe is the best

outcome for the public interest. In these remarks, I want to look to the

future, not hark back on a campaign lost. The people of the UK voted to

leave the EU. That much is clear. But only that much. Exactly what

leaving the EU now means is anything but clear. And there is not merely

an opportunity but an obligation for all of us to begin to flesh out

whether we wanted this outcome or not, what we think leave should now

mean. We're going to be entering into long negotiations with European

partners. And the first task is to identify exactly what it is that we

will be negotiating to achieve. The First Minister has said she wants to

preserve Scotland 's position in the European Union. Fine. But quite what

this means is also unclear. Scotland, of course, is not and

never has been one of the U member states, and about in Scotland last

week was to seek to preserve the UK 's status as a member state, not to

insist that Scotland becomes a new member state. The First Minister has

said she will appoint an expert advisory panel to look at what she

has described as all the options and by what Magnus and offer to assist

in any way that I can. So, what should leave mean? And what are the

options for Scotland? To my mind, leave should mean that we retain

full access to the EU 's single market. As I understand it, even

those small numbers of MSPs who advocated the leave vote are of the

view that we should maintain Aspel and access to the singer market as

possible. We may be, as has been remarked several since -- several

times since Friday, in uncharted territory. But there are still some

things we do know. Leaving the EU political institutions does not mean

that we have to leave its single market, because there are several

countries including Norway, a place that the SNP often likes to talk

about, who have just such an arrangement. What are the options

for Scotland was Akroum again, they are many. And our obligation now is

to put some flesh on the bones. Let me give an example. At the moment it

is out with the legislative competence of this Parliament to

enact law that is incompatible with EU law. We, as a Parliament could

perfectly easily maintained that rule after the UK ceases to be an EU

member state. We could pass an Act providing that all Scottish

legislation is to be read and given effect subject to EU law and we

could confirm in the Court of Session the jurisdiction to quash

any legislation that is incompatible with European law. All of this is

perfectly possible within our current legislative competence.

Presiding Officer, I make no pretence that the last two days have

been easy. We have lost a Prime Minister. There is volatility in the

markets and we face the prospect of difficult and protracted

negotiations. But one positive note struck in the past few days is the

point strongly made by the Prime Minister that in those negotiations,

the Scottish Government should play a leading role along with the

devolved administrations in Northern Ireland and Wales. As the Prime

Minister said, it is important, vital, that the interests of all

parts of the UK are representative effectively and properly in those

negotiations. Of those advocating Scottish independence at their

referendum in 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond said he would put

together an all-party team from Scotland to negotiate on behalf of

the nation. Likewise, now, the UK Government will put together an

inclusive team negotiate on behalf of all the nations, England,

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is as it should be.

... Now people want to see their politicians working together in the

best interests of the country. This is not where we wanted to be. Mike

rumbles. There is not a member in this Parliament more pro-UK than

myself. Would you not agree that when the First Minister said about

for this motion is not a vote for a referendum on independence, that we

should work together across the Chamber, we should all work together

and support the motion put forward by the government. I think we should

work together to help the United Kingdom negotiate what it means by

leave and to maintain and safeguard the interests of Scotland. I have

made that her thickly clear. What Scots now want to see -- perfectly

clear. Scots want to see politicians working together in the best

interests of this country. This is not where we wanted to be. This is

where we are. So let's try and make the best of it, together. Thank you.

APPLAUSE I call Richard Lockett to be

followed by Anas Sarwar. I spent the weekend attending constituency

events. Thousands of people attended those and everyone wants to talk

about the referendum. People go from those who voted remain and who voted

for leave as well, and they are now extremely anxious about the future

and their children's future and the future of Scotland. I have been

inundated with e-mails and letters over the last few days. A lady said

I have two daughters aged two and four, what kind of country are they

going to grow up in? I am truly fearful for the future. The one

thing everyone had in common was that they are keen for all

politicians in this Parliament in Scotland to show leadership in these

difficult times, especially given the vacuum at UK level that we are

witnessing. That is why the debate today is so important. We must deal

with what may turn out to be the biggest event so far in our

lifetimes and post-war Europe. There have been other seminal events since

post-war, the fall of the Berlin Wall which was about solidarity,

when Eastern European countries joined the Andrea Burk them with

open arms. The UK has now chosen isolation over Corporation and

damaged European unity. It is noted that the referendum result has been

welcomed by some of the most extremist voices across Europe.

People hoping to put forward extremist agendas based on

scapegoating minorities and others to blame for Europe 's current woes.

We must hope that the UK decision does not lead to a domino effect as

reverberations of Brexit are felt across the whole of Europe. By

working together in this Parliament civic Scotland, to secure our nation

's place in Europe we can send out a message of hope and optimism to its

peoples. A message that says Scotland once an outward looking,

modern, European country where we embrace rather than reject

differences, and we are not going to run away from Europe 's tough

challenges. I would urge all parties in this Chamber to focus on the

outcome that we all profess to want, which is to stay in Europe, in line

with the democratic wishes expressed by the people last Thursday. And

yes, we need time to consider all the options and consider the views

of all parties, and I hear suggestions that we can remain part

of the UK which is out of Europe last week and other parts of the UK

remain in the EU, and I am looking forward to hearing the details of

how that could work in practice and not lead to political and democratic

messiness of blank cheques for constitutional and commercial

lawyers for the rest of time. But the Parliament must be careful to

listen to all views, in Parliament and out Parliament. The Minister is

absolutely correct to say that a second independence referendum must

be on the table. Many people who voted no in 2014 are now seeing,

enough is enough to stop the reference point in the independence

that they'd have been radically altered. Many no voters are saying

that if it was a choice between remaining in an isolated UK out of

Europe whilst we've voted to remain -- wasabi voted remain, or to be

governed by Conservatives did not vote for either, then we will vote

differently next time, and they deserve a voice. Could you perhaps

explain why, if this motion which you are supporting and debating

today, you are now the second back and chest in the Speaker and two out

of two have moved on to independence and a second referendum. That is

where the concern is from these benches when a large majority in

your constituency are not supporting this motion. It would be couple of

the Conservatives rallied round with one party in this Gibran put the

Scottish interest first and not the UK.

APPLAUSE In doing so, can I say that we

cannot ignore the 30% of Scots who voted to leave but many had genuine

concerns that need to be addressed. Europe is evolving and we need a

vision of the kind of Europe we want Scotland to be part of. If we

support a reform agenda we have to say what that is and we have to

articulate it. The next two years will be momentous

and decide the long-term for you chuck of Scotland. There are other

steps we can now take to protect the interests of Scotland. Between now

and Brexit many decisions are going to be taken in the EU that will

impact our economy and communities. In this new environment I do not

believe the UK is able to look after the interest of Scotland sub it is

important that Scotland should formally request that our ministers

from this government lead the UK delegations to those formal and

informal councils of ministers meetings that will take place in

Brussels and Luxembourg in the next two years where the genders are of

relevance to the national interest of this country. Whether it is

negotiating fish quotas or environmental policy relationships

matter and attitude matters and commitment matters and goodwill on

both sides of the table is absolutely essential. Negotiators

want to know you will be serious and in it for the long term but we are

now in the situation where the UK is walking away. There is no incentive

on either side to bank negotiating capital for the future, but we do

know there is goodwill towards Scotland and Europe, goodwill from

member states and institutions, as we saw today in response to the

speech from Allan Smith today. Scotland wants to participate and

act in the long-term interest of our own priorities and Europe. Between

now and Brexit Scottish ministers should be given the opportunity to

lead for Europe in the UK. Finally before I close it would be an idea

for the EU to postpone the UK presidency slot in 2017 that will be

unable to beef fulfilled and that should be left open in case Scotland

become a member state. That position should also be offered to Scotland

or indeed Northern Ireland. Everyone please support this motion today

that is unprecedented in anxious times. All parties should put

Scotland's national interests before their own on this very special

occasion and during these difficult and anxious times for Scotland. I

voted remain on Thursday because I believed it was in the best interest

of Scotland in the UK to do so. I felt a huge sadness to see the

results as they came in and the biggest reason was that we have lost

the opportunity to stop talking about constitutional politics and

instead focus on the matters of issues right here and right now.

Many of them are issues of life and death. Today's debate comes as new

figures show that the expected standard on cancer treatment has now

not been met for over three years. Let us not underestimate what

happened on Thursday. This is a seismic event for the UK and the EU.

There are millions of people across the United Kingdom who are deeply

disappointed with the result in anxious about the consequences.

Consequences dominated by the reaction and volatility in the

markets. Let's be clear what the markets means. It is people's jobs,

wages, mortgages and pensions. Our immediate priority must be to

encourage calm heads and to protect individuals and businesses who may

be affected by the volatility. This is not the time to think about

short-term political interests, because what facing as a nation is

much bigger than that. There is no doubt that the United Kingdom is at

the start of an economic crisis overlaid by a constitutional crisis.

That is why Scotland must play a full part in the process going

forward. Indeed I believe the First Minister has a duty to engage in all

talks and negotiations because rightly all options should remain

open. That is why there must be a formal structure that allows all of

the talents and peoples of the nations and regions, including

Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and London, to be an equal part of

the negotiation process so we can get the best deal possible for all

parts of the United Kingdom. This structure should also have a remit

to discuss and decide with significant powers being repatriated

to the UK, where they should reside, it includes significant powers on

fishing and farming that are crucial to the Scottish economy. I believe

it is premature to talk about the timing of any future independence

referendum, especially as we don't yet even know what the terms of the

UK leaving the EU will be, or, indeed, what the terms of Scotland

leaving the UK to join the EU would be, if that is even the case. The

market volatility that we have seen in the last few days shows that

asking people to make a decision without fully considering the

consequences have implications that are dangerous for jobs, wages,

mortgages and pensions. I welcome the tone that the First Minister has

adopted since Thursday. She is right to say that we are in uncharted

territory and I hope that that is a tone that continues in the weeks and

months ahead. The First Minister is right to ask questions about the

impact on the single market, on free movement, our currency and our

international relationships going forward. We do need clarity on what

the new arrangements will mean for the ?11.6 billion of trade that

Scotland does with the EU, but we will also need clarity on what any

new arrangements would mean for the ?48.5 billion of trade Scotland does

with the rest of the United Kingdom. The First Minister is right that we

need to see what the new arrangements will need for the tens

of thousands of EU nationals living, studying and working in Scotland,

and for the 135,000 Scots working in Europe, but we will also need

clarity on what any new arrangements would mean further more than 500,000

Scots living, working and studying in other parts of the United

Kingdom. There are many unanswered questions. What would be the details

of any deals for Scotland? What terms with the UK sector with the

EU? What will be the status of the new relationship? How much access to

EU markets will we retain or lose? Will the people of Scotland have

their opportunity to have a say on any we negotiated terms on

membership and crucially what guarantees would we have before any

proposed vote on independence? The First Minister always makes the

point that the UK is not the same now as it was in 2014, but I put it

to this parliament that the EU may not be the same in two years as it

is now. Let us not have some romantic view of the politics on

mainland Europe. I bitterly oppose the right-wing politics of Boris

Johnson and Michael Gove, but be in no doubt, they are made to look like

moderates compared to Marie Le Pen of the French National party who

could be president next year, or the rise of the far right party in

Germany and Perdido Hooper are -- plan violent processes across

Europe. The Slovakian Prime Minister said, multiculturalism is fix, is

lamp as no place in Slovakia. This man may take over the rotating

presidency in the coming weeks. There are many other mainstream and

populist parties amongst them, climate change deniers comic

anti-Semites and Islamophobe 's. Since Thursday we have seen an

increase in hate crimes. In Glasgow neo-Nazi stickers have gone up,

claiming white zones. We should send a strong message to all minorities

that are here, that this is your home, and we stand with you in peace

and unity and to the spreaders of hate we say it directly, it is not

our minorities that are not welcome here, but you and your hateful views

that are not welcome in Scotland and the United Kingdom. So, to conclude,

there is much uncertainty over the coming months. We do not know what

the negotiations will throw up so when the First Minister says that

everything is on the table I really hope that she means it. We need to

wait and see what the outcomes are of the negotiations, so we can make

clear and reasoned decisions. That is why we need to have cool heads,

to ensure we make decisions not with anger but with reason. Members are

starting to allow their speeches to drift over time so could I ask you

to have the about that. We face in Brexit something I thought we would

never have 2-Face. Only a few weeks ago I said that the leave campaign

seemed to have taken leave of their senses, threatening systematic cuts

to the Scotland Budget and a reversal of the gains of definition

in the event of that breaks and now we're hearing those calls. This sort

of rhetoric from a key vote leave spokesman has shown that campaign in

its true colours, hostile to the Scottish parliament, the consensus

on this place in Holyrood and our voters, who voted overwhelmingly in

favour of remaining within the European Union. We also hear that

Theresa May, a potential candidate to be Prime Minister of this United

Kingdom, we hear her say that we need to get out of the European

Convention of human rights and it is to those rights that I will

concentrate on today. Robert Burns wrote a while your's eyes are fixed

on mighty things, them empires and fall of Kings... Amid this mighty

fuss just let me mention the rights of women merit some attention. That

poem was written about the time of the French Revolution with Europe in

turmoil and war just around the corner at every turn. As that

continued and popular reform societies abdicated Parliamentary

reform there was the fear of the spread of revolutionary ideology on

our home territory. How familiar that is today. In 1793 radical was

arrested and transported and two said later we do not, we cannot

consider ourselves as mode and melted down into another country.

Have we not distinct courts, judges, juries, laws. Absolutely. He had

been the architect of a new reform Society in Scotland and opted to

reform club is unlimited to social class, that wasn't the case

elsewhere. That brings us to what lies at the heart of this current EU

debate, nationhood, citizen Hood, this is sovereignty and the rights

of every man and woman. The fates of empires. Governments ignoring the

will of people will face the dire consequences of it. We do not seek

resolution or revolution, as described, we seek enlightenment,

sisterhood. When Thomas Paine was lauded for his rights of mine, the

rights we cherish so much not to be toyed with by any government. I am a

is true supporter of the European Convention on human rights Apple

fight for it every step of the way and I believe that we can reform the

European Union and we know that because we have done it before.

Professor Neil McCormick was an architect of -- architect of that

reform of the almost pushed Europe to a constitution enshrining our

fundamental rights. There we are, back to those rights that are so

important. His work pushed forward that agenda towards the Lisbon

Treaty and without his early work we would not have that treaty so

another Scotsman who took up the cause, protecting and extending our

fundamental human rights as EU citizens. Article 18 of the Treaty

on the function of the European Union provides that no citizen shall

be discriminated against on the basis of nationality. The citizens

of member states also have employment rights that derive from

EU registration and -- legislation and EU treaties have enshrined

principals promoting non-discrimination on areas of sex,

race and ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual

orientation. As a result the EU has developed comprehensive legislation

in the area of non-discrimination and equality. It began with sex

discrimination in employment and has been extended. The people of

Scotland through due democratic process reaffirmed its belief in and

support of that European Union and I think it only right that this

government be supported by our Parliament to realise the demands

placed on it by us, the people and our voters. Stated articles are open

to European states that respect common values such as human dignity,

freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human

rights and member states also declare that these things prevail in

their societies. These are things I am happy to pin my name to. There

are names that every Scottish man and woman ought to know. If you are

called for jury service, when your name is drawn by Lott and you vote

in an election and you freely voice your thought, don't take these

things for granted because dearly they were fought. It is with these

rights in mind that I support this motion by our government today and I

ask them to devote themselves to the cause of the people. It is a good

cause and it shall ultimately prevail and it shall finally

triumph. Oliver on Delta be followed by

Jackie Baillie. -- Oliver Mondale to be followed by. It is easy to think

that this tells a single story, it does not. It tells 33,000,500

individual stories with people of all backgrounds from all corners of

our United Kingdom and from different political persuasions

coming together in the largest exercise in democracy are islands

have ever seen. People voted lead, and they voted remain, for a

multitude of different reasons. And rightly so. This was a complicated

decision with many competing and in some cases mutually incompatible

outcomes. It is context we must now look at the overall result in

Scotland which is just one dimensional flat. Rather than jump

to hasty conclusions as the First Minister has done, we must take time

to digestive backpack and reflect on what this result means for people

here in Scotland and elsewhere across our United Kingdom. In the

long run, people will not look kindly on political posturing or

idle speculation. And now more than ever we have a responsibility to

pull together and knuckle down to the task in hand. I have no time and

we are keeping strictly to time. It is in that spirit I would ask all

those who voted to remain to find themselves questioning the

democratic process, to reflect on the fact that 19,005 and meeting

people in my own dump the ship constituency voted to leave the

European Union. -- my dump Fischer constituency, a higher number than

voted for me as their MSP. Across Scotland, over 1 million voters put

the cross next to leave, a larger number than to put their cross next

to Nicola Sturgeon for First Minister, and just short of the

total number who voted for the SNP in the constituency ballot. Whilst

this is far short of a majority of Scots, it was by no means small or

insignificant number of people and, of course, whilst the result was

decisive in Scotland- wide context, we must recognise there were

significant variation within Scotland with 49.9% voting leave in

Moray compared to 25% in Edinburgh. I know that that might seem of

little consequence to the many who feel angry, as if their boys was not

hurt, but it is important to remember that the viewer a of the

majority is seldom universal in a democracy, no matter how you choose

to look at the numbers and whilst I understand that it First Minister

and for that matter many decent and fair minded people did not agree

with the result, it remains the UK- wide result and we must all respect

that outcome. Just as those across the rest of the United Kingdom

accepted the possibility at the start of the campaign that Scotland

might have helped together deliver a remain result. Now is not the time

to rake over the campaign or dwell on the result because we are where

we are. Instead, we owe it to people to start considering where we go

next. The truth is, this debate is not about the result. Nor, sadly,

does it even seemed to be about what is best for the people of Scotland.

Instead, it is again forced many SNP about one thing and one thing only,

independence. Since by the morning we have seen once and for all that

behind the seemingly good intentions lies a deliberate malice. If they

were serious about building consensus and negotiating in good

faith then they would have taken a second referendum of the table. And

all we have seen is what started as a statesman-like approach rapidly

descend into self interest. And whilst I acknowledge that events

have been moving very quickly, the First Minister has fast become like

a runaway train, defaulting back to her all-too-familiar mantra of

independence at any cost. And while others have taken steps to steady

the ship with leading Leave campaigners supporting Adelaide to

the article that the process, allowing time for the best approach

and a consensus to be reached, the First Minister has sought to amplify

division. In doing so, she not only does a disservice to leave voters

like me, but far more disgracefully, the First Minister is letting down

those who voted to remain by potentially undermining what could

yet prove to be a better deal for access to the single market for

Scotland than could hope for as an independent nation. For a start,

that would be one that allowed us to use the pound rather than the euro.

The truth is, this debate is a red herring and India motion that

followed the result it is easy to overlook the fact that Nicola

Sturgeon wanted independence no matter what, that before this

campaign started she abandoned her once-in-a-lifetime pledge almost as

quickly as it left her lips. That is why, in or out of Europe, we must

never allow ourselves to forget that the SNP exist for one purpose and

one purpose only, to break up our United Kingdom. For me, like many

fellow Scots, in good times and in bad, it is always that primary union

between are family of nations that will come first. Even in adversity,

and even ended his appointment and anger that many feel, there is a

greater good, something far more important to our future prosperity

than our European Union membership, and now it is time to fight for

that, and to work together in good faith to secure the best deal for

Scotland. Thank you. Jackie Baillie to be followed by Michael Russell.

Like many in this Chamber and across the country I was but a leaders

appointed that the result of the European Union referendum. It felt

akin to a bereavement when the results were being declared across

the country. I am greatly in respect of democracy, but I was horrified to

see Nigel Farage celebrating his result on Friday morning. This man

was the face of Britain that was reflected to the world. And I reject

everything he stands for, and he certainly does not speak for me.

What is clear is that David Cameron gambled with our future. He couldn't

control the Eurosceptics in the Tory Party, so he gambled on a referendum

and he lost, but we are all the losers for that. He will shortly be

out of office. We will, in time, potentially be out of the European

Union, and the price for the country in Scotland and across the UK may

well be very high indeed. People tell me that this was an

antiestablishment vote. And that is maybe so. And we need to understand

the reasons why people voted in the way they did. But let's not pretend

that Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson and Michael Gove are anything but the

establishment. They went into this referendum not expecting victory.

Without a plan for what they would do, leaving the country in

continuing uncertainty. And I bore the approach of the Leave campaign,

cynically in what they said and had promised to increase funding to the

NHS, which they denied within indeed less than 12 hours of the close of

walls. I agree wholeheartedly with the First Minister 's sentiment and

that of others, that people from Europe and across the world are

welcome in Scotland. But I am disappointed by the result. And

angry by the nature of the campaign. But there is a need now for

stability and cool heads. Our responsibility is to assess the

impact and take action where it is right to do so. And, in addition to

the representation is being made across Europe, I believe our

immediate priority as well must be action to protect the economy and

jobs. I would be pleased to hear what the Scottish Government will do

in that regard, in tandem with the representations they are making

elsewhere. Before Brexit became a reality, the Fraser of Alhadur

Institute said we were flirting with a recession in Scotland. Growth was

slowing, we underperformed relative to the UK, and we were facing

stagnation in the economy. I regret that that prospect, with many

economists think it is more likely now across Scotland and the UK. We

have seen a sharp decline in the stock market wiping billions from

share prices, and the falling pound against the dollar and the euro. And

whilst I am sure that we all hope that this stabilises quickly, it

makes a practical focus on the economy essential. Currently we

exported mostly to the rest of the UK followed closely by the rest of

Europe. The government 's and statistics for 2014 showed that 42%

of all international exports would Western for the EU at the value of

some ?11.6 billion. One in every ?6 in our business economy is generated

by companies based in the rest of Europe. So this matters to our

economic well-being. Businesses do adapt to changing circumstances. But

these changes are often most keenly felt by those who work for them, and

in lessening job opportunities. We are hearing anecdotal evidence of

changes to investment plans, companies paid in dollars seeing an

immediate loss because of the exchange rate and one man and now of

was about to start an engineering job in Europe, and he has now been

told to stay at home, because they had no idea if they are going to

recruiter that job any more. And what about right on it product,

Scotch Whisky? Likes of much of the food and drinks sector representing

an increasing contribution to the GDP, a substantial exported to

Europe accounting for thousands of jobs. It is that impact on the

people we serve that we must focus our attention on. There are views on

mortgages, pensions. All of these may be affected. Let me zoom in on a

couple points. It is about the impact on people that we need to

look at. On a second referendum, I acknowledge and welcome be the

assurance given by the First Minister that this is not her

starting point. Let me say as respectfully as I can, I listened to

Fergus Ewing with great attention this morning on GMS and he suggested

independence was the only answer. I had the government not to face both

ways on this. Let me say, just as Nicola Sturgeon said, that the UK, I

am in my final minute, that the UK had changed. Well, so will the

new... We have a point of order, Miss Bailey. Miss Bailey said that

she refused to take my point of order. That is not the point of

order. It is up to the Speaker who she allows to intervene. No, Mr

Ewing, that was not a point of order. Miss Bailey is currently

making her contribution. I hope added time will reflect the

intervention I have add. Nicola Sturgeon said that the UK had

changed, but so will the EU, so it is imperative that, should we be

faced with another independence referendum, that clear, detailed

terms of joining Europe will be set out in advance, because if we join

the euro, we will need to decrease public debt. That means cutting

public spending. What implications will that have for our services? I

want to remain in Europe. I am a committed European. But we must

approach this with our eyes wide open and take time to consider what

we should do. At the moment it is a constantly changing landscape. We

don't know what will happen. The First Minister is intent on bringing

forward another independence referendum to this country, then she

must spell out in detail what the terms of that engagement with Europe

will be, and nothing less will do. Presiding Officer, let me finish by

welcoming the First Minister 's comments about working together. We

should be working together across the UK, people in Northern Ireland,

London, Manchester and other areas beside. They will feel the economic

consequences of this, so let's not stand alone in our negotiations with

Europe. Michael Russell to be followed by Elaine Smith. I want to

address two issues, the impact of the decision last Thursday on this

Parliament in terms of Scotland and its budget and finances and process.

And what I think is the existential choice that Scotland now faces.

Firstly, on the issue of budget, it is obvious that in our present state

of partial dependence, budget decisions made south of the border

impact directly on what we have to spend and on our timescale of

scrutiny. We are clearly dependent in block grant and taxation on the

overall health of the UK economy. Huge insecurity has been created not

only by the vote last week but by the political paralysis that has

followed it. George Osborne, the author of the disastrous revenge

budget idea, is now the author of the equally damaging no budget idea.

The Autumn Statement will follow a challenge in Tory leadership and a

changing Minister. It might be subordinated a snap general

election. Although these factors create considerable uncertainty in

Scotland, where the draft budget is due according to the existing

timetable to be published by 20 of September.

Anyone in London will have two clarify this matter. We will need to

make decisions in Scotland on how we move ahead. It may not be the time

for a spending review. Must -- much discussion on this is required and

tomorrow the finance committee will have an opportunity to discuss this

with the finance minister, a rather unusual first evidence session for

both. Finance issues lie within the overall context of political issues

and it has been and is an extraordinary political tide. The

First Minister is aptly be correct that her leadership has been

inspirational in this last weekend. The key issue is to retain our

membership of the EU and that is our objective and it is right that we

start that process today with a clear instruction to the Scottish

Government to explore every possibility and consider every route

there may be. What is not in doubt is the objective must be achieved.

It must be achieved because only by doing so can we retain, each one of

us retain our European citizenship which amongst other things

guarantees free movement, protect us in the workplace, enhances and

conserves the environment in which we live and welcomes diversity and

difference within a tolerant hole, whilst allowing us to participate in

the structures of the union as equals, individually and

collectively. I have the opportunity to ask the First Minister, as chair

of the finance committee, is it his view that should be Scotland leave

the EU and have to rejoin at a later date, that it would be subject to

joining the euro and be tied by a 3% deficit? I am not speaking in my

capacity as chair of the finance committee but as my capacity about

someone who knows anything about politics would no that is a silly

question because there is no such requirement. Let me deal with

realities. The touchstone for me is European citizenship. I don't want

to give that up in Scotland did not consent to give that up for anyone

who lives here. European citizenship is an addition not a substitution,

we enjoyed in addition to our UK citizenship. We are presently

Scottish, British and European but now we are being forced to give one

of those up and that is truly an existential choice and it goes to

the heart of who we are and who we will be. We are being forced to

decide if we are British or European and we are being told we cannot be

both. I was born in England and I have many family and friends there,

what Chesterton called the plain people of England, a good, noble

outgoing and generous and they have been failed by their leaders and

they are still being failed. That is a tragedy. The First Minister is

right to say that the country that Scotland chose to remain in two

years ago no longer exists and it is the people of England to see that

most clearly now. They ended it with their vote last week. They must find

a way forward from that and I hope they can find a better way forward

but accepting that failure and its consequences is Scotland --

something Scotland cannot and must not do. We must look up to see a

vision of corporation and engagement, the daughter which as

was said yesterday is opening, festival for discussion. In 1850 in

the House of Commons during a difficult of their Palmerston talked

about his objective in foreign policy. His objective was this, to

ensure that the British subject in whatever land he may be shall feel

confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of England will

protect him against injustice and wrong. That is the choice now for

us. Should we do as we are told and rely once again on the watchful eye

on the strong arm of England to protect us? Have we grown out of

that? Given that the eye and the arm are withered beyond recognition.

Would it not be more in keeping with the times to see collaboration,

Corporation and an open outlook to the world, and if that is so, where

do we get those? Only in our membership of the EU. That is the

existential choice and we are being forced to make it. Finally let me go

very close to home. On Friday I was on the island of mile and yesterday

I was in mid Argyll where there is genuine apprehension and fear about

the consequences of what is taking place. Talk of job losses and

companies retrenchment. Concern about investment, public and private

and worry about funds and loans and an acknowledgement of how much comes

from Europe and still comes to support rural areas. Something more.

Centuries of engagement have made us European. We were European before we

were British, sending students to the continent, Sherry citizenship

with France, appealing our very nationhood. In war and in peace we