Indyref: Backing For Independent Scotland In EU

Ex-European Parliament President backs Europe policy post-yes vote.

Scottish independence would boost the country's profile in Europe, that's according to Alex Salmond.

The First Minister claims a 'Westminster elite' is jeopardising Scotland's European Union future.

Meanwhile, former president Pat Cox has spoken out in support of an independent Scotland's continued membership in the EU.

Mr Salmond said:

"This is a significant intervention that reinforces the common-sense position that in the event of a Yes vote, Scotland's continued membership of the EU is in the interests of both Scotland and the rest of the European Union.

"The No campaign is in meltdown with nothing to offer now that its scare stories are being demolished one by one.

"More and more people are moving to Yes as they find out about the opportunities of an independent Scotland and scrutinise both the Yes and No case.

"Pat Cox makes it clear that it is no one's interests to seek to remove Scotland from the European Union and that the route proposed by the Scottish Government for continued membership comes at no cost to the EU’s internal market, common policies or citizen's rights.

"At a time when Scotland's European future is being placed in jeopardy by a Westminster elite obsessed by UKIP it is becoming ever clearer that Scotland’s European policy is best decided by people in Scotland.

Labour MP Anas Sarwar, responding to Alex Salmond's comments on the EU and separation today said:

"No one can trust a word Alex Salmond says on Europe, he has already been caught out lying on Scotland's place in the European Union and today he has tried again to trick Scots about their future.

"The truth is it is Alex Salmond who is causing uncertainty about Scotland's future in the European Union after separation and his lies to the people of Scotland won't do."