Exclusive:SNP offer to 'work together' with Lib Dems in bid to rejoin the EU
The Nationalists have extended a “European hand of friendship” to the Lib Dems ahead of their conference in Brighton this weekend.
The SNP have offered to “work together” with the Liberal Democrats as part of a bid to rejoin the European Union.
The Nationalists have extended a “European hand of friendship” to the Lib Dems ahead of their conference in Brighton this weekend.
The Lib Dems back returning to the EU long-term, but currently want to join the single market.
Whereas the SNP believe the UK should rejoin the bloc immediately, and that an independent Scotland should be in the EU.
SNP MSP Alex Kerr said the parties should set aside their “differences” and “work together to build that European future.”
The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP said: “While we firmly believe in the fresh start of independence and the Liberal Democrats believe that sovereign control should sit with Westminster, we can agree that that pooled sovereignty on our continent through the European Union best serves all our people.
“We know the Liberal Democrats are fiercely European and while many of their members and voters are frustrated by their weakened position on rejoining the EU, there is no reason that has to remain.
“Therefore, we extend the European hand of friendship to work with Alex-Cole Hamilton and Ed Davey to bring about our return to the EU.
“Despite our differences, we can and should work together to build that European future.
“All of us who fiercely believe in Scotland’s place in the EU should work together to secure it and we encourage the Liberal Democrats to do just that – return to your policy of EU entry and work with us.
“The SNP and the Liberal Democrats have worked together in the past and we know deep down the Liberal Democrats know that our future has to be in Europe.”
Scottish Lib Dems external affairs spokesperson David Green MSP said: "I've always been a bit sceptical over the SNP's pro-European credentials given that they spent more money on the Shetland by-election than they did on the European referendum campaign.
"No one doubts that the Lib Dems are the UK's most pro-European party and we are doing all we can to get the whole UK back to the heart of Europe."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham used a meeting with Irish counterpart Micheál Martin on Friday to push for deeper ties between the UK and the EU.
He said the relationship with Ireland “matters so much on every single level” as the Taoiseach became the first international leader to visit No 10 North.
The Prime Minister said it was “very fitting” for Mr Martin to be the first head of government to visit the Manchester site because of the close ties between the North West and Ireland.
Mr Martin said he looked forward to the UK having a “stronger and closer” relationship with the EU.
Ireland currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Mr Burnham said: “The relationship between the UK and Ireland matters so much on every single level.
“Close to home, as co-custodians of the Good Friday Agreement, we are working together to uphold its principles as we approach the 30th anniversary next year.
“In Europe, we are looking forward to a UK-EU summit later this year and, with Ireland in the presidency, wanting to take further steps to deepen the relationship with Europe.”
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