We can be free from stifling regulations
Enable us to trade in developing markets
Former Tory MSP Brian Monteith is behind the campaign for Britain leaving the EU.
The ex-Mid Scotland Fife MSP was commenting on last week’s launch of the publication “Democratic, Prosperous and Free” which provides the EU referendum with a detailed Scottish case for Brexit.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s historic vote, The Leave.eu spokesman Mr Monteith sets out his views on Brexit.
He said: “There are clear advantages to Scotland voting to leave the EU.
“We can make decisionmaking more democratic and accountable by taking control back from Brussels and giving it to the Scottish electorate.
“For instance, it will mean the powers to manage farming and fisheries coming to the Scottish Parliament – why would Scottish politicians wish to be against that?
“It can mean a financial bonus to Scotland’s public finances of half a billion pounds per year – and on top of that the ability to distribute the £700 million of farming support and regional grants in Scotland currently doled- out from Brussels with their strings attached.
“Surely we can do that better ourselves?
“It will allow Scotland to benefit from better trading deals with the fast-growing developing markets while negotiating continued access to the EU countries.
“If South Korea can have a trade deal with the EU why can’t the UK and Scotland?
“It means we can be free from the stifling regulations that we can choose to forego – be they on manufactured goods, industrial processes or the towers of paperwork – and we can be free to debate Scotland’s place in the UK without being told by Brussels to “get stuffed” and join a long queue for EU membership.
“Leaving the EU is a process, not a single event.
“Being free of Brussels diktats will be liberating by kick-starting new debates about how we manage our affairs in Scotland.
“What kind of fisheries regime we want, what kind of farming support we want and what regulations we need and don’t need.
“There can be something positive in leaving the EU for everyone be they unionists or nationalists – environmentalists or entrepreneurs.
“The key benefit is bringing decision-making closer to the people and making it accountable.
“That is a trend Scotland has been leading in the recent past.
“Scotland should get behind leaving the EU to be more democratic, prosperous and free.”
THE LEAVE CAMPAIGN Putting the argument in favour of democracy