Tag: David Martin

Independence or Union? Former Labour and SNP MEPs to debate Scotland’s best route back into the EU

Two constitutional paths — one European future

In an online event, two former Members of the European Parliament (MEP) will debate whether Scottish independence or remaining in the UK is the best route to seeing Scotland regain its EU membership.

Entitled “Common Ground” the discussion, between former Labour MEP David Martin and Alyn Smith, who was an SNP MEP, will see the politicians analyse how best to achieve Scotland’s return to the EU. They will also talk about the importance of cross-party working and why each believes their own preferred constitutional route is best for the country.

In the 2016 referendum that resulted in the UK leaving the European Union, Scotland voted 62% Remain. Every local authority district in Scotland recorded a Remain majority. Polls since then have shown that Scotland continues to be strongly pro-EU membership.

The Common Ground online debate is on Tuesday 5th December at 7pm.

Tickets for the event, which is free, can be booked at Eventbrite:

 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/common-ground-scotlands-european-path-tickets-1088642702629

Common Ground is being hosted by the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), the leading all-party group campaigning for a return to European Union membership. David Martin is president of EMiS and Alyn Smith a vice-president.

David Clarke, chair of EMiS says: “Alyn and David are passionate Europeans who share similar views about building an unstoppable momentum that sees us eventually rejoin the EU.

“They will discuss how that momentum is built and the competing claims of independence or union as the most likely route back to Europe.”

The European Movement is Scotland says the debate is “must see” event for everyone interested in Scotland’s European future and how pro-EU politicians from across the party divide can work together to achieve ever-stronger ties of trade, education, culture and friendship with our EU friends.

David Martin: Closer alignment with EU essential to UK growth

  • “Labour’s ambitions for growth can’t happen unless we get closer to Europe.” says Labour’s longest-serving former Member of European Parliament“
  • Food safety agreement with EU could cut weekly foods bills by £2”

David Martin, who was the Labour Party’s longest serving Member of the European Parliament, has said Labour’s ambitions for growth in the economy can only be achieved by closer alignment with the EU.

Speaking today (24 June) in a Bylines Scotland podcast, Mr Martin said: ““The programme Labour has put forward for government is dependent on growth. In my view that growth cannot happen unless we get closer to Europe. It’s just not going to happen if we are outside all the European decision-making processes.”

He said realigning with Europe is a long-term process: “Things won’t happen overnight, but a new Labour government can reach early accommodations with the EU that can benefit the UK and EU.”

Mr Martin who is President of the European Movement in Scotland, the leading all-party pro EU organisation, cited post-Brexit rules on food safety controls that currently cost UK and European exporters £40 for every consignment passing between the UK and the EU.

He argues that having mutually agreed new food hygiene standards would cut out these costs and protect public health.

“A new accord between the UK and EU on veterinary standards would benefit farmers, food importers and exporters. Most importantly, it’s estimated that it could cut household shopping bills by around £2 a week.”

The former MEP believes the UK’s hospitality and retail sectors would benefit from the UK agreeing to the EU’s proposal to allow people between the ages of 18 and 30 the right to study or work in the UK or EU for up to four years. Labour has rejected the proposal. David Martin thinks that if Labour wins the general election, it must be open to reviewing its position on Europe.

“The EU proposal on limited free movement would be beneficial to both sides. It would give our industries a source of valuable labour,”

Former MEP to become President of the European Movement in Scotland

David Martin, former Labour Member of the European Parliament becomes President of the European Movement in Scotland 

 David Martin, who was the longest serving British Member of the European Parliament until Brexit, has become President of the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS). Mr Martin, who was also the youngest MEP to lead the Labour group in Europe, became EMiS President at the start of 2024.  

Mr Martin said: “The European Movement in Scotland has kept the light on for Scotland’s place in Europe.

“It brings great energy, knowledge and enthusiasm to its campaigning. I am proud to succeed to the presidency of such a dynamic organisation.”

 

EMiS Chair, David Clarke, said: ““We are delighted that David Martin has become our President. He is a great European and a great Scot.

“He has the deepest understanding of the politics of Scotland, the UK and the EU. He also brings a passion for peace, prosperity and democracy, values that are at the core of the European ideal. We are proud to have secured the commitment of such a distinguished political leader.”  

David Martin is a former Scottish European Parliamentarian of the Year and a former European Parliament Trade MEP of the Year. During his time as an MEP, he led on trade and development, human rights, constitutional affairs and democracy. He authored over one hundred reports for the Parliament and served for 15 years as its Vice-President, leading reforms of its working methods.  

David Martin was a Member of the First Minister of Scotland’s Standing Council on Europe. He was a visiting Professor at the University of Glasgow (2019-2022) and Senior Fellow at RSIS in Singapore, one of Asia’s leading centres of International Studies.  He was educated at Heriot Watt University and the University of Leicester. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of the Punjab, in recognition of his work to strengthen relations between the EU and Pakistan.    

David Martin becomes EMiS President in succession to the SNP’s Michael Russell, who has taken up a public appointment.  

Kate Wimpress appointed Co-Convener of Citizen’s Assembly

North Edinburgh Arts chief to joint-lead national engagement initiative

Two independent conveners have been appointed to lead the first Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland. Former Labour MEP David Martin and third sector leader Kate Wimpress were welcomed to the role by Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell, who described it as a key moment for the project.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that Assembly meetings will be held over six weekends from 25/26 October 2019 to 24/26 April 2020 in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Continue reading Kate Wimpress appointed Co-Convener of Citizen’s Assembly