Critical Vote On Europe

There's a warning rural Fife will suffer if the UK votes to leave the European Union in 2017.

North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins has been appointed as the SNP spokesperson for Europe. He's pledged to make the case for a positive campaign to keep the country in the EU:

“I am delighted to have been given this role in what will be a pivotal time for Scotland and its relationship with the European Union. We will be making the case for a positive campaign to keep Scotland, and the rest of the UK, in Europe. 

"It is estimated that one in seven jobs in Scotland are dependent on our membership of the European Union and that is why we have opposed Tory plans that threaten our place in the EU. We will also make sure that Scotland’s voice is heard and amend the legislation to ensure that no part of the UK can be taken out of Europe against its will.”

Mr Gethins previously worked as an EU official at the Committee of the Regions in Brussels:

Alex Salmond who's been announced as the Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs commented on Stephen’s appointment saying: “Europe will be at the top of the political agenda during this Parliament and I am delighted that Stephen will be taking on this critical role. He has wide experience in European and International affairs developed during his time working in Brussels and in the Scottish Government. 

"He will be a strong voice for Scotland’s interests in Europe and a leading campaigner in the positive case for Scotland, and the rest of the UK, to remain in the European Union.”