08-02-2021, 23:48
This from June 2015 in the Glasgow Times. https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/opinion/1...ssion=true
TODAY I am visiting Brussels - the location of the HQ of the European Union - for the first time since becoming First Minister.
It is an important visit, coming just days after the Tory government published its Bill for a referendum on the UK's membership of the EU.
It matters to Scottish jobs and our economy.
My message is a simple one - the EU is not perfect but Scotland's interests are best served by being a member.
Firstly, the imperfections.
Most people would agree that the EU is too bureaucratic, not transparent or democratic enough and that it often interferes too much in matters that are best left to national governments.
That's why the Scottish Government is in favour of sensible reforms that will allow countries to run their own affairs in areas where they know best and leave the EU to focus on areas where cooperation and joint action makes sense. But, crucially, we think these reforms should be argued for - and agreed - from within the EU.
Several members have tried to get 'sensible reforms' including Britain and have failed. The commissioners and presidents will probably be the only one's who bring in reforms as they run the show.
TODAY I am visiting Brussels - the location of the HQ of the European Union - for the first time since becoming First Minister.
It is an important visit, coming just days after the Tory government published its Bill for a referendum on the UK's membership of the EU.
It matters to Scottish jobs and our economy.
My message is a simple one - the EU is not perfect but Scotland's interests are best served by being a member.
Firstly, the imperfections.
Most people would agree that the EU is too bureaucratic, not transparent or democratic enough and that it often interferes too much in matters that are best left to national governments.
That's why the Scottish Government is in favour of sensible reforms that will allow countries to run their own affairs in areas where they know best and leave the EU to focus on areas where cooperation and joint action makes sense. But, crucially, we think these reforms should be argued for - and agreed - from within the EU.
Several members have tried to get 'sensible reforms' including Britain and have failed. The commissioners and presidents will probably be the only one's who bring in reforms as they run the show.
CHESTERFIELD PREDICTION LEAGUE WINNER 2015/2016
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