Nicola Sturgeon has called a historic Holyrood debate where she will ask MSPs to give her a mandate to try and preserve Scotland’s EU membership.
The first minister will ask parliament today to “strengthen her hand” by approving planned discussions with continental leaders in a bid to block a break from Brussels.
A majority of Scots voted to Remain in the EU in last week’s referendum, while England and Wales voted to Leave – a situation branded “democratically unacceptable”.
Ms Sturgeon has said independence could be a possible route to preserving EU membership – although there is no explicit mention of separation in the motion she has put forward.
It is thought Scottish Labour is likely to back the motion, but the Tories will lodge amendments seeking a greater emphasis on the unity of the UK.
The Scottish Greens will also support Ms Sturgeon at Holyrood today.
Speaking ahead of the debate, she said: “I am now determined to explore every avenue to retain Scotland’s EU status, and today’s parliamentary debate is a vital part of that process.
“I am specifically asking parliament to strengthen my hand by giving me a mandate to pursue discussions about protecting
Scotland’s place in the EU with the UK Government, other devolved administrations, EU institutions and member states.”
On Sunday, Ms Sturgeon appeared to suggest Holyrood might be able to veto Brexit, although leading legal minds have since cast doubt on that claim.
The Scottish Government is already working on drafting the legislation necessary to call another referendum on independence, although “all options” for preserving EU membership are said to be on the table.
The first minister added: “I have already made it clear that I regard it as democratically unacceptable for Scotland to face the prospect of being taken out of the European Union against the wishes of the people of Scotland, as expressed
overwhelmingly in last week’s referendum.
“It is now crucial that our national parliament speaks with as strong and united a voice as possible on this issue.
“Today’s debate is among the most important in Holyrood’s history – and I want to see it result in broad, cross-party support for our efforts.”
The leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson said she would “caution the SNP against using these negotiations to further their aim of independence”.
She added: “Whatever peoples’ views about last week’s decision, the truth is that we do not solve our departure from the European Union by walking out of our own Union of nations as well.
“Scotland’s trade to the rest of the UK far outstrips that to the EU – Scottish jobs rely on access to both markets.
“It is now incumbent on people right across the UK to work hard to get the best deal.”
