As the EU elections kick off tomorrow, we find Brexit back in the spotlight in a rather unexpected way—Nigel Farage has been hit by a milkshake for the second time. This incident highlights the neverending tensions and divisions caused by Brexit. Which is why we’re particularly excited that 35 MEP candidates from 10 European countries have pledged to “support Scotland’s democratic will to be part of the EU”. This is the inspiring result of our “Speak Up for Scotland” campaign.
Our goal was to raise awareness and secure support from prospective MEPs ahead of the EU elections for two main reasons: because these are the first elections where UK citizens won’t be able to vote, and because the EU is once again enlarging, with open accession talks with countries like Ukraine and Moldova. This makes support for Scotland in the next European Parliament more crucial than ever.
The campaign wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers. Twenty passionate individuals from various walks of life came together to drive this initiative forward. Special thanks to Carlos Arnott, Chris Carnie, Bob Hastings, Felix Hoffmann, Petr Konečný, Giada Lasio, Jane Mckinnon, Tom Parkhill, Mark Richardson, Gilles Robel, Kenny Scott, Tanya Pia Starrett, Elise Tallaron and Uwe Zagratzki for their wonderful contributions and a big thank you from all of us at Europe for Scotland to our brilliant Sarah De Sanctis, who coordinated the initiative.
Thanks to these collective efforts, the campaign achieved remarkable success in light of the difficult political climate. We garnered support from 35 prospective MEPs across 10 different countries, including endorsements from 9 current MEPs. This strong backing underscores the widespread belief in Scotland’s rightful place within the EU and the continued relevance of our cause.
Current MEPs who have signed the pledge include French MEPs Marie Toussaint, David Cormand, and Lydie Massard; Italian MEP Brando Benifei; German MEP Martin Schirdewan; Belgian MEP Saskia Bricmont; Irish MEP Clare Daly; and Spanish MEPs Fernando Barrena and Jordi Solé, although Solé is not running for re-election.
“I fully support Scotland’s comeback to the EU, either as a member state if their citizens wish Scotland to become an independent state and a member state of the EU, or as part of the UK if Scotland would remain part of it and there would ever be a new decision by the British people to re-enter the EU,” said Solé.
Support for the campaign also came from the EFA Spitzenkandidat Maylis Roßberg, who joined other MEPs in stating that Scotland “can help us build a better Europe.”
Cormand commented: “I wish to express my solidarity with all Scottish citizens who have been deprived by Brexit of a vote in this election, a choice that the Scottish people rejected by 62% in the 2016 referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU.”
A special mention goes to Volt Europa candidates across Europe, as Volt has been the party that most widely voiced its support for Scotland’s rejoining. For more details and the full list of supportive MEP candidates, please visit our website.
Thank you for coming along this journey with us. After the elections, we will continue to seek support for Scotland among the elected MEPs. Please consider supporting us – any donation, no matter how small is a big help.
In European friendship and solidarity,
The Europe for Scotland Team
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