Scottish independence: Labour accuses SNP MSP of trying to ‘gag’ questions on EU

By ANDREW WHITAKER
Published on 21/09/2012 03:05

A SNP MSP has been accused of trying to gag an opposition member from raising concerns about Scotland’s uncertain future in Europe.

Holyrood’s European committee convener Christina McKelvie repeatedly cautioned Labour MSP Helen Eadie that she would be in breach of the MSPs’ code of conduct if she persisted with demands for 
a committee inquiry into the EU question.

SNP ministers have insisted that an independent Scotland would automatically inherit EU membership after leaving the UK, as well as all of Britain’s existing opt outs and rights. But Labour has dismissed the claim and says an independent Scotland would be forced to apply for EU membership as a new member state.

Mrs Eadie yesterday repeated her demands for an urgent inquiry, but her calls were dismissed by the SNP convenor.

The Labour MSP shouted: “You want to gag me again” during a bad-tempered clash with Ms McKelvie, who issued a final warning to Mrs Eadie to “desist”.

The committee later agreed, in private, to consider its approach to the exploration of an independent Scotland’s relations with the EU.