EU Referendum: Webchat with Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, Tuesday 21 June at 10.30am

[BojanaMumsnet]

Hello

We’re pleased to announce a webchat with Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland, on Tuesday 21 June at 10.30am. Ms Sturgeon is campaigning for the UK to remain in the EU.

As well as being First Minister since 2014, Nicola is also the leader of the Scottish National Party. Before entering politics she was a solicitor, and she represents the Glasgow Southside constituency in the Scottish Parliament.

The EU referendum will be held on 23 June.

Please do join the chat on Tuesday, or if you can’t make it, please leave a question here in advance. And do bear in mind the webchat guidelines - one question each only (follow-ups allowed if there’s time) and please do be polite.

Thanks
MNHQ

[NicolaSturgeonFM]

@AgentProvocateur

We need more immigration in Scotland, not less. In the event of a "remain" vote (fingers crossed) do you have any plans to campaign for immigration to become a devolved power?

Hi, thanks for your question. Scotland has specific demographic and economic challenges that mean we need a different approach to immigration to that taken in the rest of the UK. Unfortunately, whether we stay or Leave the EU, immigration will continue to be reserved to Westminster.

With powers over immigration, we could pursue a different approach in Scotland. For example - and this is something there is a cross-party support for in the Scottish Parliament - we could re-introduce a post-study work visa. That would mean we could retain more of the skilled people who want to live and work here. Regardless of the result, we will continue to make this case.

[toomuchtooold]

Hi Nicola,

Can you tell us a bit about the implications of Brexit followed by Scottish independence for Scottish living in the EU, as regards residency and citizenship?

(Also, you really prefer to the caramel wafer over the caramel log??)

[Y0uCann0tBeSer10us]

Hi Nicola,

Thanks for answering my question. If I can ask a follow-up question, according to the 'Full-facts' website there is considerable uncertainty about whether an independent Scotland would qualify for 'continuity of effect', and that technically it may be the RUK that would be the continuing state. It also says that this is the most recent position of the EU Commission. Are you confident that an independent Scotland could enter the EU on the same terms we have now without significant opposition?

fullfact.org/scotland/scotlands-eu-membership/

[NicolaSturgeonFM]

@prettybird

Fishybits - I'm a Scot who lives in Glasgow. I met my first Brexiter at a party on Saturday.

All my friends, family and work colleagues (both current and former) are strongly Remain.

I have one friend who voted No in the Indyref and yes, we're still friends who promised me at the time that she'd apologise to me if there was an EU Referendum (she didn't believe it would happen, I said it would) and the UK. then pulled Scotland out of Europe. She confirmed to me last week that even though she hates the SNP, she'll be out on the streets campaigning for independence if the Brexit vote prevails.

Hi Prettybird
I think there are lots of people who will feel the same (about independence, not hating the SNP - obviously ;)!)

[OrangesAreTheOnlyFruit]

Good morning. The population density of Scotland is much lower than England. How will you encourage migrants to come to work in Scotland and how will you support them?

[kirsty15]

Hi Nicola, if the UK votes to leave the EU is it still possible for the UK or Scotland to remain ??

[NicolaSturgeonFM]

@ExctraCrunchyNutBrexit

Hello Nicola, thank you for being the voice of reason in all of this.

As one of the much maligned EU citizens living here in the UK I can say I am completely bricking it. I (like many people) didn't come here for a job I came because I met and fell in love with a British citizen. I worked the whole time I lived here (and until I had my kids, who are still young).

Should Brexit happen what do you think would be the most fair way of dealing with people who are already living here?

Hi
Well my view is that EU citizens living here should be able to stay - but in truth we don't know what will happen, which is another reason to vote Remain. Of course, the same questions arise about the many UK citizens living in other EU countries.
Best wishes
Nicola

[NicolaSturgeonFM]

@SirChenjin

Do you expect the UK Govt to respect the will of the UK people or do expect them to go the way that you have i.e. not respecting the will of the Scottish people?

Do you see this referendum as a 'once in a generation' opportunity, or a 'once in a few years because we didn't like the result' type thing?

Hi SirChenjin, as the UK Government has called this referendum, it is incumbent on them to implement its outcome.

It’s no secret that I strongly support independence for Scotland. But the Scottish Government does respect the result of the 2014 referendum, which is why I have been clear that Scotland will only become independent when a majority of people in Scotland choose that future in a democratic referendum – it will not happen just because the SNP wants it to, or because there is an SNP government.

I believe that the Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another referendum if there is clear and sustained evidence that independence has become the preferred option of a majority of the Scottish people – or if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will.

Nicola

[NicolaSturgeonFM]

@kirsty15

Hi Nicola, if the UK votes to leave the EU is it still possible for the UK or Scotland to remain ??

Hi
If Scotland votes to Remain but the UK votes to leave (hopefully it won't) we will have to consider all options to protect Scotland's place in the EU.
Best wishes
Nicola

[OrangesAreTheOnlyFruit]

Just thought of another question. If we leave the EU and the possible collective defence option (notwithstanding NATO) how do you feel about the fact that Defence locations in Scotland have been rationalised to the extent that Scottish waters will not be so easily protected?

[NicolaSturgeonFM]

@ReallyTired

As an English person I am completely sympathetic to the fact that many Scots want independence because policies that are popular with English people are imposed on Scots who are in the minority at Westminster. It is hard for Scottish views to carry clout with 59 MPs out of 650.

Currently the UK has 74 MEPs out of 736. just like the Scottish MPs are often in a minority at Westminster, UK MEPs are a minority in the European Parliment. Many English people are concerned about the EU because they are pushing for closer union. Many people voting leave want the UK to govern itself rather than being Xenophobic. (Just like the Scottish National Party don't hate the English.)

Why do you think that it would be better for Scotland to a tiny minority in Europe than a minority in the United Kingdom. Is it really improvement to have lots of non Scottish MEPs making laws that affect Scotland. There are only six MEPs out of 736 representing Scotland. Surely that is worst than the current Westminster situation.

Hi, ReallyTired, thanks for your question.

All 28 members of the European Union are - by definition - independent countries - and nine of them have populations smaller than Scotland.

I believe in independence for Scotland - but I also believe in independent countries working together for the good of all - to protect workers, tackle climate change, preserve peace, guarantee our freedom of movement, and much more. All of this happens through membership of the EU.

The EU isn’t perfect but I think it’s best for Scotland to be a member so that we can work with other countries to make the EU more democratic and accountable.

[NicolaSturgeonFM]

Thanks for all your questions and messages. I have to go now - but my team will continue to answer as many questions as possible. I hope you all choose to vote Remain on Thursday to protect jobs and investment, our freedom to travel and our place in the world as an outward looking and inclusive country.
Best wishes
Nicola

[BeatrixBurgund]

Hi Nicola,

as someone who has lost friends due to the IndyRef, and has observed with increasing concern the at times extremely abusive online discourse during this referendum, I'd be happy never ever to take part in another one.

Do you think that referenda are a good way of engaging the public in political decisions, and if so, what would you propose to ensure that future votes are less divisive and poisonous?

[kirsty15]

Hi Nicola,

The leave campaign have said that if we vote to leave the EU we can control our borders and stop immigration! But is this really possible? If people want to get into our country they will get in! Why not let them in as it will cause more harm than good

[trixymalixy]

What a surprise, no answer to my question.

[SirChenjin]

It’s no secret that I strongly support independence for Scotland. But the Scottish Government does respect the result of the 2014 referendum, which is why I have been clear that Scotland will only become independent when a majority of people in Scotland choose that future in a democratic referendum – it will not happen just because the SNP wants it to, or because there is an SNP government.

I believe that the Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another referendum if there is clear and sustained evidence that independence has become the preferred option of a majority of the Scottish people – or if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will.

Interesting response from Ms Sturgeon - because despite the polls showing absolutely no appetite for another referendum, and despite a majority showing quite clearly that they did not want an independent Scotland, the SNP are the only ones who continue to bang on about indy2.

This woman appears to live in a different Scotland to the rest of us. Either that or too many years in politics and being surrounded by acolytes has rendered her delusional and out of touch with what the Scottish people - as opposed to Yes voters - actually want.

I notice that she didn't even attempt to answer the 'once in a generation or once in a couple of years type thing' question. That's obviously too close for comfort.

[APlaceOnTheCouch]

If Scotland votes to leave the EU and the rUK votes to remain, I wonder if the Scottish government will lobby for Scotland to leave . . .

[Y0uCann0tBeSer10us]

Bit disappointed at the highly selective answering of questions (i.e. nothing too difficult)......

[NicolaSturgeonFM]

@IamSlavetotheEU

What do you think of Frank Field, Labour mp for Birkenhead's ( a poor and deprived part of the UK) plea for people to find compassion in their hearts and VOTE LEAVE FOR THE POOR? What he talks about I have personally lived, and witnessed where I live. So when MPS say - with a smug smile on their face how much mass immigration bring to the UK economy, whilst I don't doubt that, it does make me feel very angry. I wonder how that is supposed to make these peoples lives better> their quality of life>? It also makes me angry when they say ( and they are supposed to be on the side of the poor and disadvantaged before the Blair's/Browns took over Labor etc) Oh its the governments fault the NHS is under strain and suddenly after huge boom in population, there is a crisis on maternity wards ( twas ever thus under labour of course)

If there is a crisis on wards etc how does un controlled immigration help because it will take decades to catch up and in the mean time they have a never ending huge volume of people coming in to cope with. And in the mean time, the very poor, who Frank Field speaks out for are the ones sacrificed. I personally feel Frank Field puts most Labour MPs to shame, they have abandoned these people.

www.frankfield.co.uk/latest-news/articles/news.aspx?p=1021270

" a most crucial issue here is the impact of uncontrolled immigration on our most disadvantaged citizens.

It is the poorest in our communities, those whose choices in life are already by far the most restricted, whose standard of living is most adversely affected by the arrival of a record number of newcomers.

There is a school of belief which quite naturally draws upon compassion to justify the opportunities given to millions of people from the EU to start a new life here. But compassion demands that we consider as a priority the impact that so many new arrivals has on our poorest citizens’ chances of securing the ever scarcer necessities in life —

Hi IamSlavetotheEU, we recognise that there is pressure on our public services right now but it is coming from what we consider to be unnecessary and needless austerity cuts being implemented by the Tory government.

While many politicians would rather we blamed immigrants for pressures on our NHS, many of whom are actually working in our NHS, we believe the answer is to invest more money in our public services.

A “Leave” win would be a victory for politicians who actually believe George Osborne and David Cameron are moderates, and it would leave Scotland at their mercy. That’s why we believe a Remain vote is best for our NHS and our public services.

• SNP Team

[NicolaSturgeonFM]

@Makemineacabsauv

So many of these questions are ones I came on here to post. I cannot understand why the SNP want Scotland to be ruled by an un democratic EU parliament but despise and loathe the democratic British Parliament. Why is it racist to want to rule ourselves as British not European but it wasn't racist against the English during the referendum when the SNP wanted us in Scotland to rule ourselves? Why are you threatening us with another indyref if we don't vote the way you want us to on Thursday? Why can't you accept the indyref result and the result on Thursday (regardless) as the democratic will of the people? I am undecided at present but theses kind of threats make me more prone to vote to leave.

Hi,

The SNP believes in independence for Scotland - but also in independent countries working together for the good of all - to protect workers, tackle climate change, preserve peace, guarantee our freedom of movement, and much more. All of this happens through membership of the EU.

Our manifesto for the Scottish Parliament stated that a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will, could lead to a second referendum on Scottish independence.

We believe that independence offers the best future for Scotland. However, Scotland will only become independent when a majority of people in Scotland choose that future in a democratic referendum – it will not happen just because the SNP wants it to, or because there is an SNP government.

• SNP Team

[SirChenjin]

Excellent. So when are you going to start allowing LAs to raise council taxes to fund public services and funding the NHS properly - given that it's been a devolved matter for many years? You've also had tax raising powers for several years now - again, raise them and pass on that money.

The evil Tories aren't responsible for many millions of an underspend in Scotland, Nicola - that would be your Govt.

[NicolaSturgeonFM]

@toomuchtooold

Hi Nicola,

Can you tell us a bit about the implications of Brexit followed by Scottish independence for Scottish living in the EU, as regards residency and citizenship?

(Also, you really prefer to the caramel wafer over the caramel log??)

Hi toomuchtooold,

We hope this scenario doesn’t arise and that the UK votes overwhelmingly to stay in the EU. But, if it does, the option set out in our manifesto must be on the table for consideration.
You can watch this video, which sets out the position in further detail:

In terms of seeking people’s view on Scotland’s place in Europe, that is exactly what this referendum will show. And Scotland is already part of the EU, so by definition we already meet all the membership criteria and requirements.

During the independence referendum, the Scottish Government’s White Paper set out that, on becoming independent, we would approach EU membership negotiations on the principle of ‘continuity of effect’, meaning Scotland’s transition to independent membership would be based on those EU Treaty obligations that currently apply to Scotland.

• SNP Team

[Y0uCann0tBeSer10us]

Hi SNP team. You seem to have copy and pasted the reply to my question above, so perhaps I can paste my follow up question below:

"Thanks for answering my question. If I can ask a follow-up question, according to the 'Full-facts' website there is considerable uncertainty about whether an independent Scotland would qualify for 'continuity of effect', and that technically it may be the RUK that would be the continuing state. It also says that this is the most recent position of the EU Commission. Are you confident that an independent Scotland could enter the EU on the same terms we have now without significant opposition?

fullfact.org/scotland/scotlands-eu-membership/"

Another question which has occurred to me re. 'continuity of effect' is that if the UK has already left the EU, how can there be any continuity for any part of it? Or do you imagine that Scotland could gain independence in the time taken for the UK to negotiate exit?

[toomuchtooold]

Hi, thanks very much for the answer. So it's clear that your expectation is that if there is Brexit followed by Scottish independence, Scottish citizens should retain the freedom to live and work in the Uk.

My next question then is, what will be the criteria for Scottish citizenship? Presumably it won't just be based on residency in Scotland - people like me who were born in Scotland but live abroad will be eligible?
And if we are eligible to be Scottish citizens, will you consider extending to us the right to vote in the next independence referendum, if it happens?

[IamSlavetotheEU]

we recognise that there is pressure on our public services right now but it is coming from what we consider to be unnecessary and needless austerity cuts being implemented by the Tory government

so how come the very same services were in crisis in a long labour government?


I think there is an irrational hatred of the tories that is clouding facts somewhat