MPs to consider Scotland's relationship with EU

MPs on a Westminster committee are to probe possible ways for Scotland to stay part of the European Union, despite the vote for Brexit.

SNP MP Pete Wishart chairs the Scottish Affairs Committee which is to probe ways for Scotland to stay part of EU. Picture: Contributed

Members of the Scottish Affairs Committee have launched a new inquiry, which will consider what options exist for Scotland to remain an EU member.

Unlike the UK, a majority of Scots voted to stay in Europe in the June referendum, with the MPs to also examine what future relationship would be best for Scotland.

Other issues under consideration include how the UK withdrawing from the EU will affect devolution and funding in Scotland, and what role Scotland should have in the UK’s exit negotiations.

Committee chair and SNP MP Pete Wishart said: “In the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, 62% of Scotland’s population voted to Remain. We have launched this inquiry to look at what options are available to Scotland to continue to secure a relationship with the EU, including examining whether Scotland can continue its membership of the EU.

“As Brexit proposals start to emerge we will also examine what role Scotland should play in these discussions and what Brexit would mean for Scotland.

“As a Westminster committee charged with looking at Scottish affairs, it is important that we explore all these issues and we hope to secure evidence from sectoral interests, constitutional experts, representatives of international institutions and government in Westminster and Edinburgh.”

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