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Haminltoanmweeinsthmepre Margaret Ferrier “Last Thursday’s EU referendum result has undoubtedly led to a massive degree of constitutional, economic and social uncertainty. There has been turmoil on the financial markets, creating worries about jobs, the cost of fuel and the cost of holidays for families heading away in the summer. Worryingly, there has been a reported increase in xenophobic hate crimes in England since the vote to leave.
“I will be working very closely with constituents, local employers and businesses, SNP ministers, MSPS and MPS to provide as much reassurance and certainty as I can in the coming days and weeks.
“At this crucial time, the United Kingdom is crying out for real leadership, but Westminster is currently embroiled in what could only be described as a ‘leadership vacuum’. It is quite simply astounding that Nicola Sturgeon is the only party leader with any credible and coherent message at this important time. Scotland is a modern, outwardlooking and inclusive country, and the First Minister has made it clear that the EU citizens living here are valued members of our society.
“In Scotland, the majority of people voted to remain in the European Union, and it would be a democratic outrage if we were now forced out of the EU against our will. In recent days we have seen a huge surge in support for Scottish independence, an understandable reaction given that continued EU membership was a central plank of Better Together’s indyref rhetoric. Whilst Nicola Sturgeon has made it clear that another independence referendum is on the table, she has also made clear her responsibilities as First Minister to act in the interests of all the people of Scotland. I have every confidence that she will explore every avenue to ensure Scotland is not dragged out of the EU – something that would be democratically unacceptable.”