Issues - My policy positions
Vote on Article 50 Bill
This week Parliament will vote on whether or not to allow the Prime Minister to trigger Article 50 by the end of March 2017, thus beginning the process of taking the United Kingdom out of the European Union. This is a most profound constitutional and economic change for the entire United Kingdom and our relationship with the wider world.
The UK Government has failed to engage in meaningful dialogue with Scotland’s MPs, the Scottish Government and people living in Scotland about what this would mean for Scotland. The SNP Government has sought compromise throughout all discussions with UK ministers only to have their desire to protect key economic and social protections for people in Scotland rebuffed. This is a mess of the UK Government’s own making.
I was elected on a manifesto that did not propose an EU referendum and a pledge to protect Scotland’s place in Europe. That was endorsed by 55% of the voters in Glasgow South.
In addition to that, my constituency, the city of Glasgow and all of Scotland voted to remain in the European Union. It is my belief that to withdraw is not in the interests of people in my constituency, where 72% of people voted to remain within the European Union - the highest percentage of any constituency in Glasgow. As such, I will vote against the Government’s Bill on Wednesday night.
EU referendum result
Like most people in Scotland I was bitterly disappointed with the outcome of the European Union Referendum as the United Kingdom marginally voted to leave.
I was proud of Scotland’s clear vote to remain in the EU, to remain open and inclusive, to protect our access to a market of 500 million people and our ability to co-operate internationally.
But I am disappointed at the decision the rest of the UK made and the consequences of this vote will be vast and far reaching for communities across these islands, and are made even more difficult at the fact that Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union.
This moves Scotland – and indeed the UK – into uncharted waters.
As a Scottish Member of Parliament I am determined to give effect to the result that my country voted for. That is to remain within the European Union and continue with the benefits that membership brings us both socially and economically. This has been the guiding principle of Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.
She set out what action the Scottish Government will now take to safeguard our future in Europe, following the unequivocal vote for Scotland to remain in the EU, and we will take all possible steps and explore all options to secure Scotland’s continuing place in the EU and in the single market in particular.
The Scottish Government are keen to enter into discussions with other EU countries, the rest of the UK, other devolved administrations, and have already spoken the EU institutions about the way forward. A panel of advisers with experience in the EU, in finance, in the law and in key areas of the economy has also been created to support the Scottish Government in those discussions.
The Scottish cabinet have already been touch with the business community to provide reassurance and stability, and I, along with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Glasgow Cathcart MSP James Dornan, have written to EU citizens living in our constituencies to let them know they are welcome in Scotland.
At this stage, we are not proposing a second independence referendum to protect Scotland’s place in the EU, but should that be required, then we will ask the Scottish Parliament for consent to do so.
This is a wakeup call for all of us who believe in the continental union. Europe is worth saving and being a part of. However it does need to better connect with its citizens.
I want to see a Europe where its achievements match its ambition, and I believe that an ancient nation like Scotland can bring a lot to building a new, modern Europe for the coming age.
And this is why I believe Scotland is better off remaining within the European Union.
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