The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Scotland needs EU more than ever – Sturgeon
BRUSSELS: First minister uses visit to vow to maintain ‘closest possible ties’ with bloc
Nicola Sturgeon claimed Scotland has never needed the EU more than it does now as she vowed to maintain the “closest possible ties” with the bloc.
The first minister pledged to introduce legislation to enable Scotland to keep up with EU regulatory standards in a keynote speech in Brussels.
Addressing EU diplomats at the European Policy Centre, Ms Sturgeon said her approach would make it easier for Scotland to return to the EU in the event of an independence vote.
But pro-uk campaigners attacked her approach saying leaving the UK and rejoining the EU would create a hard Anglo/scottish border.
Ms Sturgeon claimed Scotland regretted Brexit as she attacked the
UK Government for wanting to diverge from EU standards, claiming they would lead to a lowering of UK standards and reduce single market access.
On her visit, the first minister also met EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier to discuss the UK/EU talks, which begin next month
In a speech seen as an attempt to align Scotland more with the EU than the UK, Ms Sturgeon said freedom of movement had helped Scottish society and cited the 4% per year growth of Scottish sales to the EU.
“We are leaving the European Union, imperfect that it undoubtedly is, at a time when we have never benefited from it more,” Ms Sturgeon said.
“And we are also leaving it – in my view – at a time when we have never needed it more.”
The first minister said co-operating with the EU helped Scotland’s ability to tackle climate change.
“We are also looking to what we can do with our devolved powers, to maintain the closest possible ties with the EU,” she said.
When asked about a border with the rest of the UK, Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government would seek “to mitigate” any requirements for checks once ministers had seen where the EU/UK relationship ended up.