Call for bigger role in Europe

EDINBURGH Western SNP MSP Colin Keir has tabled a motion at Holyrood calling for Scotland to be given a greater role in European policy- making.

It also argues Scottish Government ministers should be given the statutory right to be included in United Kingdom delegations on all devolved policy fields, such as fishing. At present, Scottish ministers can only attend meetings of the Council of the European Union with the agreement of the lead UK minister.

The motion says Scotland has the potential to play an important role in the shaping of EU policy, in fields like energy and the environment, and supports amending the Scotland Bill to give Scottish ministers “the statutory footing required for Scotland to have greater influence in Europe”.