Scotland can be a bridge to Europe, Gethins says

Scotland can act as a “bridge between Europe and the UK” over Brexit, the SNP’S Europe spokesman will say today.

In a speech at a Brexit conference in London, Stephen Gethins MP will say Scotland has a “crucial role” to play regardless of its own constitutional future.

Mr Gethins will say: “During my time speaking with poli- ticians and other influencers and stakeholders in the EU, it has been striking just how many recognise Scotland in its own right.

“There is an even greater recognition that Scotland voted to remain and has a distinctive voice in this debate. We should use that recognition to benefit everyone in the UK and Europe.”

He will add: “Scotland has a long history of political, commercial and cultural engagement with our partners in Europe. That continues today through those business, academic and even political links. Scotland can be at the forefront of reconstructing those relationships and so benefit from the unique position that we hold, even if we don’t like how we arrived here.

“Scotland is well placed to act as a bridge between the UK and the rest of Europe, regardless of our future constitutional status, and regardless of the final outcome of the negotiations.”

At the same conference, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable will argue the Salisbury nerve agent attack means it is “utter folly” for the UK to leave the EU when “the world is becoming a very dangerous place.

“Within the past fortnight we have seen acts of aggression by Russia and, with that, the need for solidarity with European allies.”