28/06/2016 Politics Scotland

Hello there, and a very warm welcome to the Garden Lobby here at Holyrood

will stop a special programme for special circumstances. The world has

changed radically since the boat on Thursday of Britain's exit from the

European Union. Talks going on today at the European Parliament in

Brussels, and a special session here of the Scottish parliament. We'll

bring you a statement from the First Minister, setting out our response

to that vote and her initial ideas in any detail can be put upon them

to watch it proposes to do. To discuss that, I'm joined by David

Torrance. David, options are pretty limited? They certainly are. In told

the First Minister speaks to people in control, you choose and the

picture will not become any clearer. There has been positive noise from

the Belgium by and Irish politicians. That does not really

matter. It is encouraging for the Scottish governments, until we hear

from younger and his colleagues, the picture will not become any clearer.

She is examining options, aren't those options feasible to form

sureties with members states, not some of those states?

The only tangible example that anyone has come up with is

Greenland, the idea of Scotland doing a reverse Greenland. That only

really works because Denmark is the member state and remains the member

state. It is not really clear how that would work in reverse. However

it remains that the European Union has a track record of being

flexible. It is an expansionist organisation. Germany reunifying in

1990 was not the script, but the EU found way.

At the very least, Nicola Sturgeon is not on the verge of resigning,

having resigned or becoming under pressure to resign. She is bringing

a dose of stability, if that is feasible?

The First Minister has played a blinder in those times since Friday,

by appearing to have a plan and appearing to be in control, versus

the Prime Minister, the leader of Labour and must everyone else. That

is good, wholly beneficial to her negotiating position. I think

Brussels will take the First Minister a lot more seriously than

perhaps they took the Scottish Government to years ago.

And we have Alyn Smith, MEP, in the European Parliament saying, we have

not let you down, do not let us down in return. Is that the omission of

the situation rather than the reality? -- the motion of the

situation I did wonder about using the word demands, I demand that you

must not let us down. That is fine, a good rhetorical

flourish. But the reality is the formal line from member states.

We go to the chamber shortly, but the situation at Westminster, Labour

holding our most soon, evidence and the leader?

It'll be interesting to how that pans out. More resignations of

Shadow ministers today, a queer, concerted effort to remove Jeremy

Corbyn. They have such a curious leadership process, it is not

guaranteed that he will be gone by the end of the day.

Is that response from the Labour Party dedicated up on the European

referendum, or was coming anyway? It was coming anyway, and the

spotted an opportunity. All eyes at Westminster are now focused on a

possible general election by the end of the year.

We now go to the chamber. Motion number 264.

Formally moved. Nonmember has spoken against the motion,, are we all

agreed? We are all agreed. The next item on business as a statement by

the First Minister on the E U referendum. I call on the First

Minister to say a few words will stop this is the first chance we 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 marriage. I am determined that the

parliament is determined to play a full role in this process, that we

are able to be a voice and able to provide a platform for every boys in

this debate, and to scrutinise the actions of the Government in this

matter. I'm determined that the parliament is able to respond to

events as they develop, and I had there for instructed the

Parliamentary authorities that resources are available over the

summer recess, if necessary, to support a recall of Parliament

should I deem it necessary. I will remain in close contact with the

party leaders and business managers to discuss this matter and to report

back to Parliament regular on progress. I now call on the First

Minister. Thank you very much, Presiding

Officer. This is not a statement I wanted to make all stop the Scottish

Government did not seek a referendum on our membership of the European

Union, and we certainly did not want this result. While of course I'm

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

disappointed and profoundly concerned. The Scottish Government

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

interests of Scotland, for our economy, society, culture and our

place in world. And not just for Scotland, but also for the rest of

the UK. That is why with the great majority of members of this

Parliament, and with all the party leaders, I campaigned hard for a

Remain results. I'm proud that Scotland voted to remain within the

European Union, and we did so emphatically. It is important for

all of us to reckon I is that some in Scotland did not vote to remain,

but instead to leave the European Union. I want to make it clear as we

move forward, I'm committed to listening to and understanding and

addressing the concerns that they have. However, more than 70% of

voters across Scotland, and a majority in every single one of our

32 local authority areas said clearly that they want 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. Which is to

be an open, inclusive and outward looking society, where other EU

citizens are welcome to live, work and contribute. We voted to protect

the freedom and prosperity that comes with a right to travel, live,

work and study in other European countries. We endorse the principal

of independent countries working together to tackle global issues

such as climate change, energy security and the fight against

terrorism. Scotland spoke clearly for Remain, and I'm determined that

Scotland's voice will be heard. We are now of course in uncharted

territory. We face risk and uncertainty greater than perhaps at

any time in the post-war period. We're already seeing some of the

early consequences. There has been extraordinary volatility in currency

and equity markets will stop and beyond the financial markets are

suggestions that companies are considering relocating jobs and

diverting investments, and that others are concerned about future

access to skilled workers. The Chancellor at yesterday just as I

wanted from hiding, though it was starting to feel like that - to tell

us that the UK economy faces the future from a position of strength.

Just hours later, the pound reached a 31-year low, and the UK's trouble

a credit ratings downgraded. I hope very much that we will see the

return of stability and some confidence. However I do feel that

we are in the early days of this period of risk and uncertainty.

These are times that call for principals, purpose and clarity - in

short, for leadership. That is why the vacuum that has a most at

Westminster is so unacceptable. Politicians or propose this

referendum, no matter how brutally killed by the results, heavy duty

now to step up to deal with consequences of its outcome. And

those who campaigned by the the Leave vote must now be clear and

honest about their plans to deliver. One thing I think is clear, there

cannot be three months after it now while both the Government and main

opposition parties at Westminster at themselves in interminable

elections. That would compound the difficult alliteration that were

already facing, and these even more damage to our economy. We've heard

that, was 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. It must involve the Scottish Government in that work

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

have set three priorities for our work in the immediate term. First, I

want to reassure those from other countries who have chosen to make

Scotland their home that I made a commitment to them on the morning of

the result and I want to repeat it here today - you are welcome in

Scotland, this is your home and we value.

APPLAUSE This commitment is all the more

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

week's result. Let us as a parliament Unite today

to make clear that Scotland is an open and welcoming country and that

prejudice, hatred and racism will not be tolerated, now or at any

time. The terms of the motion we debate this afternoon up for this

whole chamber at the chance to send that message loudly and clearly. As

Alasdair Allan, the most for Europe, stressed our commitment to use it

since living in Scotland as he addressed earlier this week, and

hopefully doing the week I will... Discuss how we provide for the

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

also taking steps to reassure you students, already is studying in

Scotland, of their place in our academic committee. And I welcome

the commitment of Aberdeen University to their students no

matter what the UK does. I have consulted to provide as much clarity

as we possibly can, and understand the concerns and perspectives of all

those affected by this period of damaging uncertainty. We have made

clear in this discussion is that Scotland makes 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 will stop it is my

contention that we will secure continued access to the single

market for Scotland. I summoned a resilient meeting within a few hours

of the result being confirmed to review with ministerial colleagues

the only impact and the Scottish Government's plans and response. The

following Saturday aged a special 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 our response. Scotland is a good place

to do business - let us be clear about that. But us also be clear

about this. If the circumstances that the UK is now in, it Scotland

does find a way to maintain a relationship with EU as I'm

determined to do, then Scotland will become a more attractive place to be

the Leave credit business. I want to make sure we like to those

opportunities. I hope that this Parliament will listen and lead.

That is what people expect of us, it is what we most continue to do. I

turned out to our third and overriding priority - drew all of

this, I am determined, utterly determined, to protect Scotland's

relationship with and our place in the European Union. The formal

process of the UK leading the EU does not start until the Prime

Minister notifies the European Council in terms of article 50 of

the Lisbon Treaty of our intention to withdraw. As the Prime Minister

made clear on Friday morning, you does not intend to make that

notification, it will be a matter for his successor. That means we're

not yet at this stage of formal negotiations. It is vital however

that we seize the chance we have been for these negotiations start to

ensure that Scotland's voice is heard as widely as possible - in

London, in Brussels, and by member state across Europe. The Prime

Minister gave me a commitment on Friday morning to the cool

engagement of the Scottish Government and to make sure all the

interests of all part of the UK are protected and advanced. Today I seek

the parliament's authority to hold the Prime Minister and his successor

to that commitment. Did discuss the situation with the President of

Ireland who will address the chamber tomorrow. I've also had a discussion

earlier this morning with the Taoiseach. I am looking to talk to

other heads of administrative as in these islands and I expect these

committees may need again. I've spoken with the Mayor of London this

morning and with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar with this year at

interest we now have in protecting our relationship with Europe. The

Government is directly in touch with the governments of other member

states to make sure that they understand their citizens are

welcome in Scotland and to maintain our strong relationship with Europe.

We are also in touch with both the European Commission and the European

Parliament in Brussels, responding with messages of encouragement and

support for the work ahead of us will stop these contacts have again

emphasised the overwhelming support for Scotland remaining within 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 it Scotland's position and to represent interests

to major groups of the European Parliament and the present of the

I intend to set out Scotland past Mac position to the European Union.

I am following up our contact with member states. We met the

ambassadors of Slovakia, Germany and France to share our response to the

result in our determination to protect Scotland's relationship with

Europe. I believe we have made a good start. Our early priority has

been to ensure there is a widespread but awareness across Europe of

Scotland's different choice in the referendum and aspiration to stay in

the European Union. We will intensify this work in the weeks and

days ahead. It is my responsibility to ensure that Scotland's voices

heard in Europe and I intend to do so. I have also been very clear that

I want our work to be guided at every step of the way by expert

advice and wide experience. We have got a great deal of work to do, both

in government and indeed as Parliament to set out and evaluate

all the impacts of the referendum result and all of the options open

to Scotland to secure our relationship with the European

union. I am establishing a standing Council of experts to advise me on

my government how best to achieve EU objectives. Bill will be made by

experts in finance, European and diplomatic mantillas and will

involve a wealth of knowledge built up over years of experience. The

council will consider the impact of proposed changes to the UK's

relationship with the EU and advise Scottish administers on our way to

best secure objectives. Members will be flexible to ensure we have access

to appropriate advice as and when it is required. However, I can advise

Parliament today that it will be chaired by Professor Anton Muskie

telly and include amongst its members, the former judge of the

European Court of Justice, Dean Marriot Leslie, former UK ambassador

to Nato, the head of the diplomatic head... Charles Grant, director of

the centre of European reform, David Martin, the Labour member of the

European Parliament and Graeme Smith, general secretary of the TUC.

I intend to publish the full list of initial members later today. I have

set out to Parliament the action we have taken so far since the result

of the referendum became clear. The motion we shall debate shortly

invites the Parliament to give me and my government 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 chamber. The motion before us asks us to

report back to the European committee and Parliament. I will

keep our progress and I assure the chamber that we will return to

Parliament to seek approval of any outcome to these discussions. I also

believe that there is a role for key committees of the Scottish

Parliament to contribute to this vital process and I will be very

happy to discuss that with the European committee at the earliest

of opportunity. Let me turn now finally to the matter of

independence. I want to be clear to Parliament that while I believe that

independence is the best option for Scotland, I do not think it will

come as is a prize to anyone. It is not my starting point in these

discussions. My starting point is to protect Scotland's interest and to

protect her relationship with the EU. However I am in no doubt that

there has been a very real material change to school and's circumstances

brought about by last week's referendum result. There is no doubt

that we are in a new and different place from last week. We were told

that staying in the UK meant we could benefit from having guaranteed

access to the EU. That was a driving factor in many people was my

thoughts. That is no longer true. The country and the constitutional

settlement that the people of Scotland voted for in 2014 is no

longer a reality. Based on the very clear result in Scotland, if we were

to be removed from the EU, it would be against the will of our people.

That would be democratically unacceptable. It is for that reason

I have said that everything must be on the table to protect her place in

Europe, including a second referendum # independence referendum

and to ensure that the option of holding a referendum is viable, we

will prepare the legislation now. However, let me be clear about this.

If the government does conclude that the best or the only way to protect

Scotland's place in the EU is through a referendum on

independence, we will return to Parliament with that judgment and

then at that time, it will be for Parliament to decide. I am

emphatically not asking Parliament to endorse that step today. A vote

for this motion is not a vote for a referendum on independence. I hope

that this clear commitment will remove any reason for the

Conservatives not to back a motion today. It would be ironic and I

think deeply regrettable if the party that has put us into this

unfortunate position ended up as the only one standing in the way of

efforts to resolve it. APPLAUSE. Voting to deny us the Parliament

support for our discussions with EU institutions and member states to

explore ways of delivering the outcome people fought at four would

I think be to frustrate Scotland's interests. The situation we find

ourselves in is not of our making. There is no easy path ahead and at

this stage there are no guaranteed outcomes. But my job is to navigate

the best possible path for Scotland, one that protects our interests and

give effect to what the people of country faulted for, and that is

what I am determined to do. As I do so, I promise I will be open and

frank with Parliament and the people of Scotland about the challenges and

upper duties we face. I hope we can move forward in a spirit of unity

and national purpose. My final point today is this, while are gender on

Europe is vital, we will not, must not allow it to distract us from the

business of governing Scotland and delivering on the priorities I set

out only a month ago. Later today the deputy private -- 's Minster

will underline ways we will improve education. We will promote an

inclusive and growing economy and reform public services. The

situation with fees will not prevent us from making Scotland a better

company for all the people that live here. To conclude, I am asking

Parliament to recognise today the position that Scotland has been

placed on by the referendum result. A position which is at odds with the

will of the Scottish people. And I am asking Parliament is about the

motion we bring forward today. Scotland has footed to remain in

Europe and we must now take all the action necessary to ensure the will

of the Scottish people is respected. So I am asking the chamber today 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 and our shared commitment to the people we serve.

APPLAUSE. Can I thank the First Minister for a 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

name of the First Minister. Can I also suggest that we allow the

opening speakers for each party not to be interrupted for any

interventions. I call on Ruth Davidson. I thank the First Minister

for advance notice of her statement. Too often political events are

described as seismic are earth-shattering, but in truth the

tremors of politicians than people. Last week's referendum was not one

of them. It is a defining moment in our country's story. It is deeply

significant for all of us. I find myself reflecting at this time just

seven days ago I was in final preparations for the BBC debate

arguing for favour of the EU, because we were overplaying the

impact of Brexit. A week is a long time in politics, it turned out the

major constitutional decisions like on the EU and Scottish independence,

do indeed have major economic consequences. So last week's

decision was not one I supported. It was not the one that I campaign for

and I am deeply disappointed by the result. But the first message I want

to send today is the belief in our capacity to meet the challenges we

face is not diminished one inch. Those challenges are great indeed.

They are complex. There are questions about questions with more

that have not been formulated, never mind and said. But we are nation

with a fundamentally strong economy and educated workforce and a

capacity to overcome those challenges we face, that I am

certain. We are seeking to amend the government's motion today. Let me

set out where we want to supported. First and foremost, let us unite in

this Parliament and say to people across the European Union, you are

welcome. You wanted, your contribution is recognised and this

is your own. Too often I fear... APPLAUSE.

Too often I fear the referendum debate was guilty of discussing the

contribution of EU migrants to this country as some sort of necessary

evil to fill in the gaps in our labour market. Let us say it loud

and clear, that we don't just need your labour, we want your values,

your brains, your culture and we want you. Let us also United in

expressing disgust at the racist insults and attacks the EU residents

are faces the days of the referendum. It is shaming to our

country and it is not in our name. Second, the Scottish Conservatives

today want to pledge support to the Scottish Government's engagement in

the coming months as negotiations are taken forward. They cannot be

overstated how important this new settlement will be for all of us. It

will define a new arrangement for coming generations. It is vital we

get it right. It is vital that all the voices are heard in putting that

deal together. I want the First Minister of Scotland involved. I

want the first ministers of Wales and Northern Ireland involved. And

having stood alongside last week and taking on my conservative colleagues

and argue for his city, I can absolutely say that I want the Mayor

of London at the table too. I am pleased that the Prime Minister has

made it clear he wants the devolved administrations to be involved. This

is the correct way to progress. Our motion makes it clear that we want

to protect and maximise Scotland's position within the European single

market is. I will not pretend today that this will be easy. My

scepticism is on record. But we now have a duty to those many people

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

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

to ask yourself some practical questions. Do we want Scotland to

remain subject to EU law? Do we want powers over issues like farming in

Brussels question work how do we protect the passport in rates of

financial services industry? These are some of the practical tasks that

lie ahead in the short and medium-term. But in that, I do not

try today to brush aside the more fundamental consequences of last

week's result. Consequences were as in Scotland have wider and deeper

significance. As a amendment makes clear, Scotland's and Northern

Ireland are to leave the European Union even though a majority did not

want it. The First Minister was to explore what options remain for

Scotland. We welcome the formation of a commission of experts. If the

Scottish Government wants to explore Scotland's options within the United

Kingdom then we can support her in that. It is after that stage that we

have concerns in the Scottish Government's approach since the

result. I cannot ignore the fact that since the results were

announced, they have pushed Scottish independence first and centre. Or

her announcement that she had instructed government officials to

draw up the necessary legislation for a second referendum on

independence. Nor can I ignore it when I hear the First Minister

justifying this... I cannot ignore the SNP Westminster leader telling

the House of Commons that in order to the a European country, an

independence referendum may need to happen. I've heard today to see that

the motion is nothing to do with independence. It feels to many

across Scotland that the SNP is talking about nothing but

independence The first ministers speaks of people

in Scotland who are worried about the EU result. And I am instructed

to date to speak to the many people in Scotland have contacted myself

and my colleagues to say that the two are worried about a referendum

on independence. And that is why we have included our opposition is this

prospect in our amendment today. You do not dampen the shock waves caused

by one referendum by lighting the fuse for another. Nor do you say

that the economic impact caused by leaving one it union by leaving

another whose value and trade far eclipses of the former. The

arguments in favour of the UK in 2014 and not just based on the

economic risk of independence as they were. It was also because I

believed that we in Britain had more in common than which divides us.

Does last week's vote test that notion? Yes, it does, and there is

little point in pretending otherwise. It tested, but it does

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

power with the United Kingdom. It does not break the arguments in

favour of our own single market, a market which is more important to

Scotland's prosperity than the EU, not less. It is not break up a story

that, despite the shock waves of the last few days around Europe. And the

referendum last week does not tie around about we had a mere 21 months

ago to remain part of the United Kingdom. I know many people are hurt

by last week's result. Including many people have voted Note in 2014,

I am one of them. But the results of this referendum are not as simple

them and us, not when many people in our country voted to leave too. The

lessons are more profound. Do we have or in common with the rest of

the UK than divides us, yes we have far too much in common to leave. We

have a frustration in a lack of access, and of barriers to social

mobility, and a growing sense of insecurity among 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. They affect all of us,

no matter which part of the United Kingdom we're prom. These are the

questions we must be answering, not repeating the same old arguments of

the past. Residing officer, I think we can now all agree that

referendums are bruising. And not just bruising on such matters of

soup at the cans, they are winding to. I hope we find times to learn

the right lessons, not the wrong ones, to emerge from society a

better nation and a still United Kingdom. I move the amendment in my

name. APPLAUSE

Aiko Kezia Dugdale. Thank you 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. But we've already seen the collapse in

the pound, the fall in the value of companies, businesses uncertain

about future investment. Those whose jobs rely on our access to the EU

single market worry what the future holds. Let me echo what others have

said in their message to EU migrants living and working in Scotland -

they contribute not just our economy, but also the society and

culture that we have built together. So let me say to the 180,000 EU

migrants at 11 Scotland under half of these benches, you are welcome.

APPLAUSE -- on behalf of these ventures. 20%

of them lived here in Edinburgh. The city at the great honour of

representing in this Parliament. 74% of them voted to remain. One of the

Highers results in the whole of the United Kingdom. I know there are

people in this great city that, despite the support from their

neighbours, now feel ill at ease. We both have built their lives here now

feel unsettled and anxious. So whilst we fight for their rights and

against the rise in racism, we must also continue to show them love and

understanding. We must also understand, however, that there are

a 1 million Scots who voted to lead the European Union. The league

campaign contained some of the worst dog whistle races I have ever heard

in my life. APPLAUSE

-- dog whistle races. Dog whistles that turned to four corners whenever

Nigel Farage spoke or unveiled a poster. But that does not make every

Leave voter a xenophobe or a right winger. There are working-class

communities here in Edinburgh and 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 sought boxes in the First

Minister's own constituency split 50/50. Here in Edinburgh, and the

seat that I sought to represent, the poorest communities in the area

wanted out. As they did in Sighthill and elsewhere in the city. This

result, even in Scotland, is not as straightforward as some have sought

to pretend. All 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 communities, constituencies or even 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 gave the

First Minister our support to do everything she can to secure its

Scotland's plays in the European Union. Civilian party will support

the Government's effort to do the best to mitigate the worst of

Brexit, but also strengthen Scotland's ties with our allies. The

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

for protecting Scotland's plays in this agor y bleidlais it must be

explored, including a Federalist United Kingdom, which could see

those member states of the UK achieve associated state satyrs.

This support is not unconditional. This Parliament will soon go into

recess and not return too months. Easterby said a week was a long time

in politics - a day in British politics now feels like a lifetime.

In that context, two months is an eternity. A recall of Parliament

cannot be ruled out. So the First Minister may read this chamber with

the faith of these ventures to speak to Europe in the best interests of

securing Scotland's future in both the UK. But that faith can only be

maintained by regular communication, involvement and briefings from

Government to opposition parties. E faith maintained by a continued

understanding that as First Minister, she travels to Europe with

a duty to represent Scots that voted both Yes and Note. Scots voted for

Remain and Leave. But that faith would be betrayed as, 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 amendments, because it removes support for the

Government to speak to EU as shins and member states in regards to

Scotland's future. The Tory motion also says this - the challenges of

leading the EU are not addressed by leaving the UK, Scotland's own union

of nations, biggest market and closest friends. So let me one Rick

Davis in that she had better not there suggest that Labour's failure

to back her motion is somehow a failure to back the United Kingdom.

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

the moment. And anger that has been building since David Cameron

announced English votes 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 2015 campaign. Anger at a party that forced this EU

referendum on a country that did not want it, only to resolve an ego

contest in the Tory party. APPLAUSE

And a Tory campaign at last month's election that told the nation that

all that mattered whether you were a unionist or a nationalised.

A campaign that had no vision whatsoever for Scotland, and boil

down to just two key messages. One, you can only trust the Tories to

protect the union - how was I going now, Ruth? And two, the Tories would

offer a strong opposition will stop and all they stand opposed to today

is giving the First Minister some support to speak to EU institutions

about our future. The Tories habit future of the United Kingdom in

danger at every turn, and it's high time these shared their

responsibility for that. APPLAUSE

Presiding Officer, the priority of these ventures is to focus on jobs

and the economy and make the best of a very bad situation. We will

support the Government tonight to do just that.

APPLAUSE I call Patrick Harvie.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a debate which, like

others, I wish we weren't having to have. I would like to thank the

First Minister for the advance copy of her statement. I agree with the

substance of it, and I appreciate the tone in which it was made. Can I

also thank Mike own colleagues in the Scottish Green Party who went

out and campaigned. They were tired and put their energy like all our

party activists and campaigners, their energy, time and money into an

election campaign after national elections just weeks previously. But

the campaigns along with colleagues across the political spectrum and

achieved a strong democratic mandate from the people of Scotland - we are

European and we are staying at European. I want endorsed the First

Minister's comments about immigration in particular. About

respect for migrants who come here, have chosen to be part of our

society, whether from the EU or other parts of the world, who are

feeling excluded, feeling divided from our society as we speak. A

German citizen spoke in a rally outside Parliament and our ago make

this clear, the feeling of isolation that many people are being forced

injury injure other recent weeks and months as unacceptable. There is

legitimate anger at the use of political and media pandering to

racism and xenophobia which has taken place in this country. And

those you are responsible for that...

APPLAUSE And those in politics in politics

and the media there are a heavy responsibility for the scenes we

have now seen. The far right and racist tendencies which have been

cultivated join 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 comment'd common good has left a huge amount of Killock billing angry

and any knitted. Those feelings are justified, the Brexit debate has

channelled them into the politics of division and hatred. But that home

and gives risk giving momentum to far right campaigns across Europe.

The leaves campaign with guilty of more explicitly cultivating this

reaction. But both sides failed in my view to give a robust challenge

to the idea that the right to free movement is somehow a burden. It is

in fact a principle of huge importance and won the Greens will

continue to defend. We will certainly be supporting the

Government's 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 a number of different political parties. I would like to

thank those in the European Greens today have helped us soften the

language around an immediate triggering a Article 50, which would

give no time for the serious consideration which is necessary, or

the contribution that the Scottish Government is expected to make on

all our behalf to the negotiation process. That process must be

allowed time. All options must remain on the table

to achieve that. This is a unique situation we are facing. It may be

that after exploring all options, far more people than voted yes in

2014 may conclude that independence is the only way to achieve it. We

also have to contrast the clear assertion of Scotland's mandate with

the utter chaos we see in the Leave camp and the fundamental dishonesty

in their campaign. How many times will be told that their campaign was

intended to take back control? Take a -- control of borders and money.

Now they are all claiming we can stay in the single market. There is

no search thing as a single market if you do not have free movement of

labour. It is a fundamental aspect of the free market. It is clear that

access to that single market will also include a financial

contribution if it can even be negotiated. So this fundamental

dishonesty of the claim that we can have the best of both worlds, taking

only what we want and giving nothing back to a community of nations

across Europe, is something that needs to be challenged. I am not in

any surprise that we have heard shameless dishonesty, racism and

dishonesty. We cannot allow that kind of rhetoric in that kind of

language to become part of the Scottish political landscape. I

would like to remain the chamber of something that Ruth Davidson once

said when we were debating another close the Jewish and translation. --

in session. They must have the trust of the people to safeguard national

security, to safeguard the nation states economic security and to

safeguard the nation's states political security by establishing

its place in the world by membership of international organisations such

as the European Union. So how is that going right now? The UK

Government has demonstrated and has direct failure on all three counts,

and historic failure to the people of this, to the people of this

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

argues that the 2014 result must be respected just as much as this

year's referendum result. But the 2014 result is no fundamentally

superseded. I would remind the chamber of comment from the Better

Together campaign, the words of the Better Together campaign on the 2nd

of September 2014, weeks before that referendum what is the process of

removing our EU citizenship question mark footing yes. People who voted

in 2014 did on a false prospectus, a false promise that their membership

of the European Union would be protected in those circumstances and

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

friends across the political spectrum. I even do have friends who

vote Tory who have told me they are ready to evaluate the No vote that

the cast and 2014 and no one has the right to close that position down

for people in Scotland. Presiding Officer, the Greens will continue to

respect a man data voters in Scotland, given so clearly. It must

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

support the actions the First Minister has set out in preparing

the ground for a further independence referendum should it

prove necessary and should it 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 here every step of the way. We will

continue to express respect for the people who've moved to Scotland and

contribute to our society and continue to advocate that in

whatever solution Scotland and the rest of the UK sees forward, free

movement of people remains a fundamental principle and we will

advocate the human rights, the social protection, the quality, the

strong environmental and, the achievements hard one that the

European Union has helped to achieve, that are worth defending

and so directly under threat by the decision so recklessly taken a week

ago. APPLAUSE. I call Willie Rennie. I have lost

elections. I to my loss and Dunfermline in 2010 very hard and

very personal. But no election defeat has made me feel like I felt

in the early hours of February, of last Friday. It was 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. And that is exactly

what country did last Thursday. And they are the practical benefits to.

Tackling crime with the European Arrest Warrant, that has gone.

Cooperation on climate change, gone. A single market, gone. Improved

social conditions, gone. All of these and so many others. They are

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 and shops will rise

because of the higher cost of imports. That people saving in value

-- falling in value. Job losses are on the cars. It is not Boris Johnson

who will suffer. Michael Gove may lose some money, but he has stacks

more to get by an Nigel Farage, he's simply does not care. It is 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 and 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. And after

the surge in the support for independence at the weekend, nor can

the Tories claimed to be the defenders of the union. They sparked

this economic and constitutional crisis. Ruth Davidson is not

defender of the union, she is undermining it and no Tory amendment

today can hide that truth. 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 loathe to fight

another day and I am determined to fight for it. My party will contest

the next general election on a clear platform of supporting the United

Kingdom was my place in Europe. 7000 new members have joined party to

campaign with us to win that 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,

why 1 million people in Scotland floated to leave the European Union.

It is of little surprise that if you have a minimum wage job, as 0-hours

contract with a damp house and a car that is failed its MOT, you may

think you have nothing to lose. And you probably would not believe a

well-heeled conservative Prime Minister who tells you that the

status quo is best for you but the European Union was not responsible

for all those problems. But the levers provided that easy target and

David Cameron and Jeremy Chardy and wearing cable of making a compelling

case for the European union. The First Minister knows that I oppose

another independence referendum -- and Jeremy Corbyn were incapable.

Today's motion does not in Dorset independence. The First Minister has

made that clear. And in it additional words, beyond her

statement, that was provided to us earlier, she said that was a

vertically so. I welcome that, I think that is a welcome remark. I

welcome the First Minister also reaching out to other parties to

engage in the negotiation process. I immediately agreed on Friday to

produce a date 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 Northern Ireland, Gibraltar or

some other arrangement. But we need to fully understand before we move

ahead and rushing head up long 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. Fishers laundry services, many firms, the many restaurants and

beyond. They work hard. They make those as this is successful, they

have married here, settled here, pay their taxes here, they are one of us

and they will never stop being one of us. I know many who will be

offended by the decision last week. But I want them to know that we are

standing with them today. We are determined to recapture the soul of

this country. So is once again outward looking, compassionate,

tolerant, open and generous. Thank you. Willie Rennie, a passionate

speech there. We heard from the other party leaders. We heard from

the First Minister. There was passion and oratory from the other

party leaders. Nicola Sturgeon catching the mood that she feels is

perhaps one that needs to be addressed, setting it out fairly

calmly and placidly as one can. And admitting as well there are no

answers at this stage. She was prepared to examine all options.

Before we came never the special programme in the special

circumstances, I discussed the prospects of Scotland inside the EU

or outside the EU. I asked that there was a deliberate thing that

independence was not mentioned? The objective is for Scotland to stay in

the European Union. We now have to discover the meaning is by which

that objective can begin. None of those have been excluded. The First

Minister said at the weekend it was likely that there was one possible

social. There may be others, it is right that they are explored and it

is right that starts now. We have to fired the starting gun, that process

of meeting the objective, we have to stay in the EU. Today is not about

independence, you do not seem convinced. Your party do not seem

convinced, you have an amendment down to exclude a second

independence referendum. Scotland did not vote to stay in the EU, it

voted the UK should stay in the EU. We know that the Scottish Government

position is that it should stay in the U -- European Union. That

statement is meaningless, because Gotland has never been a member

state of the European Union. What maintaining Scotland's position in

the European Union is is something that will need to be teased out over

the next weeks and months. You are itching to come back in here. When

it talks about protecting our place in the single market and our

position in the EU, that is things that many people can sign up to. For

many people in Scotland, the proposition that the EU is a good

thing and we should seek to mint in that. I have got to ask each of you,

can you envision anything that can protect Scotland's place in the

European market? We should explore what this ability is there might be.

I listen to Lord Edwards speaking this morning about some things that

he thought about from a constitutional view. There is talk

about federated approach, and a unique position of Greenland, maybe

a reverse version of that. There are things to explore. We should be

united through that and consider those. Ross, what you think Scotland

can achieved? I do not think it is any secret that I am in favour of

independence, but that is every from the situation we find ourselves in.

We need to come together cross and exhaust every option of benefits

call and has as part of the European Union. We do not need independence

to do that. If there weren't these options, the First Minister wouldn't

waste breath exploring the. We know the First Minister was independence

for Scotland. Very briefly.

We don't yet know what leave the EU means yet. Ever leave means be in

the EEA, having always tell deal, I do know that is what it's to be.

The Tories have led us enter referendum where we don't know what

the question means and we don't know what the answer means, so we don't

know anything. What we do know is that if this goes to leaving the EU,

for the UK, it means we're no longer European citizens. So let's look at

our objectives. Our objectives are to remain within the EU, to the

rights of European citizens. Can you remain within the EU without

being a member state? We need to find that out. Up until

now that answer has been no. This situation is not the same as

Greenland. But there are other means, we will find out. It is not

exclude anything the Tories are trying to do, they are trying to

exclude. Letters also recognise we are in a

fluid political position. When the Conservatives spokesman says we

don't know what leave means, and the Government doesn't know what leave

means, that tells me there are opportunities as well as risks, but

we had to find out what those opportunities mean.

Let me put it this way, the Labour Party is not in acre at Westminster,

D except that are consequences to Labour's attitude towards the

campaign? We are in a difficult position as

the country as to the outcome of that vote. The issue that faces us

as how do we go forward. There are opportunities here in Scotland as

well as at the UK level, let us not overlook that. The fact that vote

happened last week does not mean that everything else is settled.

I think it is a shame that at a point of unprecedented chaos and

uncertainty for the United Kingdom, the right-wing of the Labour Party

have managed to make this a story about their internal party politics.

You might want to make it a story about the Labour Party. I think the

tragedy is that Ross comes in with that point, because that is missing

the point. The point is can we achieve some union?

We need to focus on objective, what is the object of?

The objectives that Scotland does not read the EEA. That I don't stop,

we don't stop, that you don't stop being a European citizen. It would

be good this afternoon if we can unite that objective, go and look at

the possibilities, and come back and elements of policies. Because I

don't want to be left outside. I don't want to not be a since.

Do you think it remains likely that those alternatives will prove futile

and there will be a referendum on independence?

I think it is likely that independence will be the choice that

we have to make. But there may be other possibilities, so for the sake

of others all working together, let's find out together.

There is nothing inevitable about a second independence referendum, and

even at there were a second independence referendum, there is

nothing inevitable about the Nationalists winning it. Once it

becomes understood what Scotland is being an independent member state of

the year you start EU means, we have to find out what that means in

Scotland. The responsibility for the crisis

wherein lies with David Cameron. It lies of the people are voted in

an open referendum. The choice he made the day after the

Scottish Referendum to change the subject there is well. Suppository

to lecture us about independence are changing the subject.

Is your party tiptoeing towards agreeing to have a referendum debt

is not necessarily agreeing to independence, but to have a

referendum? I'm saying we should unite around a

proposition that the Scottish Government should, on the of all of

us, explore the options around maintaining the benefits with the

European Union. That is all we're saying, the consequences of that

will follow. No one outcome is guaranteed in the process.

There are hundreds of people rallying outside today because they

do not want European citizenship taken away from them. They do not

want a list as workers or parents. Our responsibility, the responsible

have every MSP, is doing sourced all the options available to us. If that

is independence, so be it. You made the point of validly from

your perspective that it is about the verdict of the British people.

Was it nonetheless mistake by the Prime Minister .org is referendum,

would you believe it was inevitable? I don't believe it was a mistake

from what was and hold a referendum in 1975, nor do I believe it was a

mistake for Alex Salmond to hold a referendum in 2014. This is not the

outcome that any of us wanted, but where Democrats, we have to respect

the result of what was a fair, legal and decisive rest.

We are not in 1975 for 2014, politicians make choices. The

choices made by the Tories were the wrong choices will stop the failure

of David Cameron as colleagues to make a convincing case for Remain...

You should be thinking about the failure of your own party to follow

suit. From this consequences we find

ourselves... When is your leader going to do the

honourable thing? We should be working with other

parties to secure as many of the benefits that we can.

Final words, starting with Ross Greer, were to be go from here

there's Lillis and either on the committee that is good to be looking

at these options. We are going to be looking at every

option to preserve the citizenship of the 5 million people here that

hold it. The work of that European committee

is going to be critical. What we need to see is the Scottish

Government negotiating in good faith in the terms that were described up

to now. Negotiating with the UK Government

and the vault administrations and European Commission as with other

governments and reporting back to the Scottish Government.

Two things hold onto -1 that the Prime Minister is committed and all

the devolved administrations will play a leading role in our

negotiations with European Parliament. The First Minister is

correct that we all need to explore all the options. Let's not rush to

judgment and make fresh demands for new independence referendums.

Letters explore all the options, there is a lot of confusion and

uncertainty, there is no need to rush.

We have to remain in the European Union, the rights of European

citizens have to be retained by every person who lives in Scotland.

We need to find the way to do that, and we need to start negotiation

that with a mandate for a parliament. We do hope it's a

unanimous mandate, it doesn't sound like that from the Tories, we rule

nothing out. If we have to remain as an independent member, Soviet.

That was then, this is now, I am joined by David Torrance. What did

you make from the First Minister there?

Nicola Sturgeon coming to Hollywood today to look for the mandate to

talk to the devolved administrations, the UK Government

and the EU institutions. She wants a this institution is herself and

wants the backing of opposition parties here to do that. It looks

like from what the opposition parties are saying, she's going to

get there today, minus the Tories. It said the Tories will vote for the

but as abstain at the end of the day. They were getting very

passionate indeed, and we are all blaming the Tories.

Kezia Dugdale channelling considerable anger at the

Conservatives. The First Minister alluded to that as well, but it was

pretty low-key. Wasn't that interesting, the First

Minister was the one with the measured prospective?

As ever, pitch perfect from the First Minister. To be fair, I also

thought Ruth Davidson pitched the contrary case, the Unionist case

against in independence referendum very well. Agreement on the

substantive issue on talks with the First Minister, but with that caveat

at the end. I thought you square the circle, and written in case you are

both in difficult positions. It is based here and a different

interpretation. If you are in the SNP are perhaps the Greens, you say

there is a Scottish mandate. If you're in a party that advocates the

union, easy it is a vote that counts.

You can never square that circle? The interesting thing to note and

Ruth Davidson's amendment is that Ruth Davidson does not want Nicola

Sturgeon going off to Brussels and talking to those EU a suggestion

separately from the UK Government. She wants the collective UK

Government. Nicola Sturgeon was to get over there tomorrow and start

talks already. And setting up the standing counsel of experts to

promote Scotland's interests. Is any sound from this Asda where

we're going? We're talking about maintaining Scotland's links, but

there is an air of uncertainty. Is there any indication as to where we

are going? I think it is early to say, because

this is caught up in constitutional law. The wise and wherefores of the

politics are whatever they might be, but also what the EU clause might

be. Kezia Dugdale introducing the idea of a federalist structure

within the UK which would allow certain parts of the UK to maintain

EU Lancs. But I don't have that can work.

Germany is federal-state, that parts of them aren't separate in the EU.

I can think of a single federal country in the words which allows

substate elements to enjoy supranational entities.

You would need to start modifying EU regulations and rules to do that, it

is hugely compensated. It has not been discussed now, but

does an independent Scotland have to leave before it rejoins the EU? We

had a debate two years ago, it has not gone away. There may be

something the Scottish Government has to face.

Let's talk independence were a bit. Is it possible that your

institutions want exactly help to the independence case, at least some

of them. There are commons made to the effect that they were supporting

the member states say which was then the UK. Does this change things?

It does change things, the context as everyone has commented has

shifted fundamentally. Then the mind Brussels will be incredibly angry

with the UK as a departing member state. If Nicola Sturgeon goes there

tomorrow and says, we want to stay, it is very hard, I think, for the

Brussels cheese to completely reject that out of hand, as they did two

years ago. -- Brussels chiefs. Nevertheless, they may say we will

look at this, come up with a new deal, but you have to leave before

you rejoin. She said it is not about

independence today, but she is keeping it on the table?

She is saying that independence is not the starting point - keep racer,

starting point of - for these negotiations with Brussels. But she

is saying that you will come back here and put an independence

referendum on the table to Parliament as it emerges as the best

and only way... If the other options are exhausted.

A lot of experts are telling us that the independence referendum is

probably only realistic proposition for Scotland maintaining its place

in the EU. The First Minister said it was

highly likely? I think there is a bit attention

saying we are exploring every option while seeing that the independence

referendum is the only option. I think there is inconsistency there.

Nevertheless, the boards in the First Minister's court and she is

planning it very well at the moment. What is you take away over where are

we going? I think she is heading over to

Brussels and will open up these negotiations very much with her eye

on Scotland's mentorship of the EU before the UK leads will stop do

think we're heading for an independence referendum?

I think it is described as highly likely. I think the First Minister

has flown the kite will find it difficult to pull down again.

With the party, she has created a general expectation that only will

Scotland's membership of the single market be maintained, but there will

be another referendum. Thank you for joining us and thank

you for watching there. A difficult one today, special circumstances and

a special programme. I hope we brought you a flavour of the

statements from the chamber. From me, good afternoon.

And did I mention he wrote some books, too?

A life as fantastic his tallest tales.

Delight in the marvellous world of Roald Dahl.