Month: June 2016

UK government moves to steady markets

‘ … we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we can make this work.’ – Business Secretary Sajid Javid

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The Westminster government is hoping speeches by Business Secretary Sajid Javid and Chancellor George Osborne will calm the international money markets as they open this morning. The pound has plunged since UK voted to leave the European Union, wiping £ trillions off the value of stocks and shares. Continue reading UK government moves to steady markets

Planting seeds of partnership

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Ben Macpherson MSP, recently elected member for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, has made his first behind-the-scenes visit to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). The MSP met personnel across the Science and Horticultural Divisions who are behind research and conservation initiatives at home and around the world.

Accompanied by Regius Keeper Simon Milne MBE, Ben Macpherson started his visit in the Library where he was provided with an insight into the archives collection of books and maps dating back over the centuries with Serials Librarian Graham Hardy using historic documents to plot the course of the Garden’s move over four locations in 346 years.

Escorted by Director of Science Professor Pete Hollingsworth, Mr Macpherson was given insight into the workings of the RBGE Herbarium with explanations as to why it is a crucial research and conservation tool for experts around the world.

Following an introduction to the preserved collections by Deputy Herbarium Curator Dr Elspeth Haston, the MSP was invited to play his part in the ongoing digitisation of the Herbarium’s extensive three million plus specimens by photographing Senecio cambrensis Rosser.

This species, a member of thedaisy and dandelion family, was selected appropriately because Senecio cambrensis evolved in Leith, most likely sometime in the last half century. Its evolutionary origin is by hybridisation between two other Senecio species and then subsequent genetic isolation from its parent species. Specimens were first collected in 1974, but it was last seen in 1989

Specimens were first collected in 1974, but it was last seen in 1989. This reflects a fascinating evolutionary example of the origin and extinction of a species within a human life time, and because of this it has been used as a model system for studying the evolutionary process.

Moving from the Herbarium, introductions were exchanged with David Knott, Curator of the Living Collections, and Glasshouse Supervisor Louise Galloway. After a general introduction and explanation of the fact that RBGE is, in fact, four Gardens cultivating a wide diversity of species – including Scottish species – and many of which are included in active conservation and reintroduction programmes, the next part of the visit focused on the non-public research houses. These, it was explained, are home to many specimens being cultivated as vital parts of RBGE’s contribution to global work in the study and conservation of plants from key research groups, many of which are endangered in their native habitats.

Mr Macpherson was also shown photographs of the devastating damaged suffered by the public and research houses in the January 2012 storm, with the Regius Keeper describing the current plans and funding required to replace and upgrade these houses. His visit to the Glasshouses concluded on a lighter note, however, with an introduction to RBGE’s mighty Amorphophallus titanum (titan arum), which spectacularly flowered for the first time 12 months ago.

The final stop of the day was to the recently restored Botanic Cottage (pictured above) which was first built at the Garden’s Leith Walk site in the 18th century. Mr Macpherson was welcomed by Community Engagement Coordinator Sutherland Forsyth who explained the dramatic story so far of this, the Garden’s newest and oldest building.

With a strong interest in community engagement the MSP was keen to hear about the varied band of organisations already using the building for a range of different activities. Bidding farewell he expressed an interest in hearing of further groups who might benefit specifically through engagement with the Cottage and, more generally, with the wider work of RBGE.

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Westminster bypass: First Minister moves to seal Scotland’s place in Europe

‘a second independence referendum is clearly an option’ – First Minister  Nicola Sturgeon

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Talks will take place with EU institutions and member states to protect Scotland’s place in Europe, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday.

The First Minister chaired a meeting of the Cabinet to discuss the Scottish Government’s next steps following the EU Referendum result.

In addition, regular contact will continue with the EU and, as was planned, Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, will be attending the AGRIFISH Council in Luxembourg on Monday and will meet EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan where he will raise the concerns of farming community in Scotland. He will meet with other EU Ministers to demonstrate that the EU remains a priority for Scotland

Following the meeting, the First Minister said: “We have had a very full discussion about the result of the EU referendum, its implications for Scotland and the steps we need to take in the days, weeks and months that lie ahead to protect Scotland’s interests.

“Cabinet expressed its pride in the vote in Scotland, the emphatic vote in Scotland, to remain in the European Union. The Cabinet also shared the deep disappointment at the UK-wide result that is clearly felt by a majority of people across this country, and we are determined to act decisively but in a way that builds unity across Scotland about the way forward.

“As I said yesterday a second independence referendum is clearly an option which requires to be on the table, and it is very much on the table. To ensure that option is a deliverable one in the required timetable steps will be taken now to ensure that the necessary legislation is in place and Cabinet this morning formally agreed that work.

“However most of our discussions this morning centred on what we can do in the here and now and in the negotiations that lie ahead, to protect Scotland’s relationship with the European Union and our place in the Single Market. Cabinet agreed that we will seek to enter into immediate discussions with the EU institutions and the other EU member states to explore all possible options to protect Scotland’s place in the EU.

“In doing so, we are determined to draw on as much support and advice from across Scotland as possible and I confirm today that over the next few days I will establish an advisory panel comprising a range of experts who can advise me and the Scottish Government on a number of important matters – legal, financial and diplomatic. It will also seek to encompass voices from across the political spectrum in Scotland and indeed different views on Scotland’s constitutional future. I will say more early next week about the membership of this expert advisory panel.

“Lastly, Cabinet discussed this morning the very important work that we need to do to reassure people across Scotland who are concerned about the implications of this result. An intensive programme of engagement is already underway with stakeholders, especially our business community, to emphasise that Scotland is and Scotland will continue to be an attractive and a stable place to do business.

“One particular group that we are anxious to reassure is the community of EU citizens living here in Scotland. I said yesterday that people from other EU countries that have chosen, done us the honour of choosing to make Scotland their home are welcome here and I repeat that again today. I want to make sure that that is a message we get across strongly in the weeks and months ahead. To that end, I will be inviting the consul generals of all EU member states to a summit here in Bute house over the next two weeks to discuss how we engage with their communities here and make clear how highly we value the contribution they make to Scotland’s economy, to our society and to our culture.

“The final point I want to make this morning is this one. The Scottish Government will be working hard to protect Scotland interests in the period ahead and in the wake of the referendum result. But as we do this we will not be taking our eye off the ball of the day to day business of government. As Westminster is engulfed in political turmoil and as a vacuum of leadership develops, I want to make clear that Scotland is led by a stable and effective government. We are focussed on making sure that Scotland’s interests are protected but we are also determined to continue our work to further improve our schools, our hospitals and our economy.

“As First Minister I am focused entirely on governing this country in the interests of all the people of Scotland, that is my overarching priority.”

EU exit: Second independence referendum looms

Here we go again: It’s looking like Indyref2 – the Sequel

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s statement in response to the EU referendum result:

Thank you for joining me this morning after a long night – and a long few months – for all of us.

Yesterday, Scotland – like London and Northern Ireland – voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union. 

We voted to protect our place in the world’s biggest single market – and the jobs and investment that depend on it.

We voted to safeguard our freedom to travel, live, work and study in other European countries.

And we voted to renew our reputation as an outward looking, open and inclusive country.

It is significant – in my view – that we did so after a campaign that was positive about the EU and about the benefits of migration.

Indeed, I want to take the opportunity this morning to speak directly to citizens of other European countries living here in Scotland – you remain welcome here, Scotland is your home and your contribution is valued.

Unfortunately, of course, yesterday’s result in Scotland was not echoed across the whole of the United Kingdom.

That UK wide vote to leave the EU is one that I deeply regret.

It remains my passionate belief that it is better for all parts of the UK to be members of the European Union.

But the vote across England and Wales was a rejection of the EU.

And it was a sign of divergence between Scotland and large parts of the rest of the UK in how we see our place in the world.

But this vote wasn’t just about the EU – it was also a clear expression of the disaffection with the political system that is felt in too many communities.

Communities taken for granted by Labour for generations and punished with austerity cuts by the Tories for a financial crisis they didn’t cause, used this referendum to make their voices heard.

The Westminster establishment has some serious soul searching to do – and I hope that it does it.

But as First Minister of Scotland I have a duty to respond – not just to the outcome across the UK – but also and in particular to the democratic decision taken by the people of Scotland.

As things stand, Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against our will.

I regard that as democratically unacceptable.

And of course we face that prospect less than two years after being told that it was our own referendum on independence that would end our membership of the European Union and that only a rejection of independence could protect it.

Indeed for many people the supposed guarantee of remaining in the EU was a driver in their decision to vote to stay within the UK.

So there is no doubt that yesterday’s result represents a significant and a material change of the circumstances in which Scotland voted against independence in 2014.

My job now is to act responsibly and in the interests of all of Scotland.

The Cabinet will meet early tomorrow morning to discuss our next steps in more detail but I want to set out some immediate priorities.

Firstly, we have an urgent job to do to provide as much reassurance and certainty as we can.

I spoke a short while ago to the Governor of the Bank of England to discuss his plans to reassure the markets and restore financial stability.

Starting this afternoon Ministers will be engaged this afternoon in discussions with key stakeholders – particularly in the business community – to emphasise that as of now we are still firmly in the EU. Trade and business should continue as normal and we are determined that Scotland will continue now and in the future to be an attractive and stable place to do business. Our resilience committee will meet later this afternoon to oversee these immediate actions.

Secondly, I want to make it absolutely clear today that I intend to take all possible steps and explore all options to give effect to how people in Scotland voted – in other words, to secure our continuing place in the EU and in the single market in particular.

To that end, I have made clear to the Prime Minister this morning that the Scottish Government must be fully and directly involved in any and all decisions about the next steps that the UK government intends to take.

We will also be seeking direct discussions with the EU institutions and its member states, including the earliest possible meeting with the President of the European Commission.

I will also be communicating over this weekend with each EU member state to make clear that Scotland has voted to stay in the EU – and that I intend to discuss all options for doing so.

I should say that I have also spoken this morning with Mayor Sadiq Khan and he is clear that he shares this objective for London – so there is clear common cause between us.

The discussions that take place over the coming days and weeks will, of course, be led by government but I will seek the support and ensure the involvement of the Scottish Parliament at every step of the way.

I intend to speak to all party leaders later today and make a full statement to the Chamber on Tuesday.

I will also make a further statement following tomorrow’s meeting of the Scottish Cabinet.

Lastly, let me address the issue of a second independence referendum.

The manifesto that the SNP was elected on last month said this –

“The Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another referendum…if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out the EU against our will.”

Scotland does now face that prospect – it is a significant and material change in circumstances – and it is therefore a statement of the obvious that the option of a second referendum must be on the table. And it is on the table.

Clearly, though, there are many discussion to be had before final decisions are taken.

It would not be right to rush to judgment ahead of discussions on how Scotland’s result will be responded to by the EU.

However, when the Article 50 process is triggered in three months time, the UK will be on a two year path to the EU exit door.

If Parliament judges that a second referendum is the best or only way to protect our place in Europe, it must have the option to hold one within that timescale.

That means we must act now to protect that position. I can therefore confirm today that in order to protect that position we will begin to prepare the required legislation to enable a new independence referendum to take place if and when Parliament so decides.

To conclude, this is not a situation that I wanted Scotland or the UK to be in today.

My responsibility in a climate of uncertainty is to seek to lead us forward with purpose.

I know that there is a lot of thinking and talking to be done in the period that lies ahead. These are complex issues that we face.

There are many people who voted against independence in 2014 who are today reassessing their decision.

But I know they will not want me to simply assume their support or to hear me talk about the challenges we face as if they are straightforward – they would want me to be straight and honest with them.

Now is the time for me as First Minister to seek to lead the country forward as one.

The need to act decisively must be tempered with the need to build consensus – and it will be. That is my duty as First Minister.

After a campaign that has been characterised in the rest of the UK by fear and hate, my priority in the days, weeks and months ahead, will be to act at all times in the best interests of Scotland – and in a way that unites not divides us.

And let me also be clear about this – whatever happens as a result of this outcome, England, Wales and Northern Ireland will always be Scotland’s closest neighbours and our best friends. Nothing will ever change that.

But I want to leave no-one in any doubt about this.

I am proud of Scotland and how we voted yesterday. We proved that we are a modern, outward looking, open and inclusive country.

And we said clearly that we do not want to leave the EU.

I am determined that we do what it takes to make sure that these aspirations are realised.

I closing let me say just a word or two about the Prime Minister.

David Cameron and I have very many political disagreements – not least over the conduct of this referendum.

But – as I am learning every single day – leadership is not easy. David has been the Prime Minister of the UK for six years. It is a tough job and, whatever our disagreements, he deserves our thanks for his service. I wish him and his family well for the future.

 

 

The UK voted to leave the EU by 52% to 48%.

All 32 council areas in Scotland returned Remain majorities.

Full results on Electoral Commission website