First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has sent a message of reassurance to EU nationals living in Scotland that they are welcome here.
The First Minister met consuls and diplomats from EU countries on Tuesday (pictured) and will distribute an open letter to EU citizens that reiterates and values the contribution EU migrants make to Scotland’s economy, society and culture.
The First Minister also met business organisations and committed to work jointly, in Scotland and in Brussels, to ensure EU trading partners know that Scotland is open for business and to protect Scotland’s interests.
Speaking after the meetings, the First Minister said: “My message today – to EU citizens and to their representatives in Scotland – remains simple. Scotland is your home, you are welcome and your contribution to our economy, our society and our culture is valued.
“We will pursue every option to protect Scotland’s position in Europe and, by extension, the interests of EU citizens who live and work here. I call again on the Prime Minister, and the potential candidates to succeed him, to give an immediate guarantee that the existing rights of the 173,000 EU nationals in Scotland will be protected.
“I listened today to consuls and diplomats on the engagement they’ve had with their citizens, and we’ll continue our programme of engagement with EU communities in Scotland.
“A strong starting point is a clear message from me to EU citizens that wherever they live and whatever they do, they are welcome here, now and in the future.
“With both the consular network and business representatives, we have an open and positive channel of communication between the Scottish Government and the people and organisations they represent.
“While the path ahead is uncertain, every part of the EU must know that Scotland remains part of the EU and an attractive and stable place to do business, with a fundamentally strong economy. I agree with business organisations that we need to get that clear, unequivocal message out and also about the long term importance to Scotland of the EU, the single market and free movement.
“We will work closely with business organisations, sharing intelligence as issues arise and deepening relationships with businesses with strong EU connections. Business has suggested we establish an EU business hub within Government to act as a single point of contact and we will take forward that proposal. And we’ll use our influence in Brussels and elsewhere to ensure that the message that Scotland is open for business is heard and understood and that we work together to protect Scotland’s interests and the benefits that the EU and the single market deliver.”
The First Minister’s letter reads:
European Union citizens living in Scotland,
I know that the result of the recent referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union has created considerable uncertainty for EU citizens living in Scotland. As you know, Scotland voted emphatically to stay in the EU. We voted for an open and inclusive society with free movement and free trade.
As I stated on the morning after the vote Scotland is your home, you are welcome here, and the contribution that you make to our economy, our society and our culture is valued. I would also like to assure you that the Scottish Government is pursuing every possible option to protect Scotland’s position in Europe and, by extension, the interests of the people from across the European Union who live here.
The immediate status of EU nationals living in Scotland has not changed and you retain all the same rights to live and to work here. I believe those rights for the longer term should be guaranteed immediately and have written to the Prime Minister and all of the candidates to succeed him, calling for all EU citizens living here to be given an assurance that their residency will be unaffected.
Scotland remains a stable and open place to live, study, work and do business and Scotland’s ability to trade with the rest of the EU continues.
This is an unprecedented and uncertain situation and as we continue in our efforts to protect Scotland’s relationship with Europe, and your place within Scotland we will work with your communities to provide you with further information.
NICOLA STURGEON
