Missing EU already?

Pro EU group in Scotland marks Brexit Day with commitment to EU

The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), Scotland’s oldest dedicated pro-European campaigning organization, and Edinburgh4Europe are organizing/participating in two key events in Edinburgh to mark the U.K.’s withdrawal from the European Union tomorrow (Friday 31st January).

Events

2:30 PM — conference and gathering – How can Scotland keep her rightful place within Europe and the European Union? (NO CAMERAS) 

Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL

This event will provide media with access to a key discussion on how pro-European Scotland can proceed now. There will be opportunities to speak with interested members of the public including those from other EU states alongside better-known speakers.

Speakers to include:

  • Mike Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations
  • Mark Lazarowicz, Chair, European Movement in Scotland
  • Mhairi Snowden, Human Rights Consortium, Scotland
  • Mark Diffley, Consultant, Analysing Public Opinion
  • Dr Benjamin Martill, Brexit and Security, Centre on Constitutional Change
  • Dr Kirsty Hughes, Director, Scottish Centre on European Relations.

From 6 PM – Gathering to protest against withdrawal from EU, as part of Missing EU Already event 

Location: Scottish Parliament forecourt and green space (opposite Holyrood Palace), Edinburgh.

This event, in conjunction with the Missing EU Already event, will include speakers chosen by Edinburgh4Europe alongside a lights’ ceremony at 11 PM to show Scotland’s continued commitment to the EU.

The event will provide media with a visual manifestation of Scotland’s commitment to Europe in front of the home of Scottish democracy, a thoughtful, reflective and defiant programme in contrast to the triumphalism that may be on display elsewhere.

There will be opportunities to speak with members of the crowd who have come from far and wide, including other European countries, to show support for Scotland as we recommit to our European future.

Speakers to include:

  • David Clarke, EMiS Vice Chairman
  • Lorna Slater, Co-convenor Green Party
  • Andrew Wilson, EUSA President)
  • Richard Milne, activist, Fringe performer, senior lecturer at Edinburgh University
  • Dominic McGinley, EMiS, Fife4Europe
  • Ailie Ross-Oliver, Our Future Our Choice

Further events by EMiS will also take place in Glasgow, Perth, Dumfries and Stirling.

Mark Lazarowicz, Chair of the European Movement in Scotland, said: “Leaving the European Union is an incredibly sad event and this series of activities provides an opportunity to not only celebrate our membership and the great benefits it has given us, but also to look to the future.

“While we may have left, the fight now begins for us to rejoin the EU, and that fight starts now.”