FORMER Scottish MEPs are set to head to Brussels to reaffirm the country's desire to join the EU as an independent country.
This week, ex-MEPs Alyn Smith and Heather Anderson are set to travel to the European Parliament to urge recently-elected politicians to pledge support for Scotland’s entry to the bloc if the country votes to leave the UK.
Scots voted overwhelmingly against Brexit in 2016 but were forced to leave the EU due to pro-Leave votes in England and Wales.
Smith urged the European Parliament to "leave a light on for Scotland" in an emotional final speech in the chamber and is now leading a delegation urging MEPs to keep Scotland's case for membership alive.
Smith and Anderson will be joined by members of the Yes for EU campaign the pan-European initiative Europe for Scotland.
“Independence in Europe will transform, revolutionise Scotland," said Smith.
"Getting back into the EU will put rocket boosters on our recovery, and at a time when every public budget is under pressure it has never been more important to make Scotland’s connections to the EU real.
“I’m very proud to be supporting Yes for EU and Europe for Scotland in their efforts, and glad to be part of this important delegation to keep in touch with our friends across the EU."
So far, MEPs from Austria, Italy, Ireland, Romania, Spain, and Sweden have agreed to meet with the delegation.
Key questions that the delegation are looking to address include whether Scotland joining the EU would be good for both Scotland and EU, whether Scotland's previous 47 years in the EU would mean a swift return in the event of independence, and how Scotland can help Europe counter Trump's aggressive policies towards the EU.
Andrea Pisauro, political coordinator for Europe for Scotland, added: “One month before the 75th anniversary of the founding Schuman Declaration, we want to celebrate European solidarity and show Scots that a European future for Scotland is not only within reach but also a desire shared by many Europeans."
The Schuman Declaration was presented by French foreign minister Robert Schuman on May 9, 1950. It proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), whose members would pool coal and steel production.
The ECSC was the first of a series of supranational European institutions that would ultimately become today's European Union.
Anderson added: “Here in Scotland we remain committed to re-joining the European Union as an independent nation. In a daily changing world, reaffirming our commitment to Europe has never been more vital.
"I welcome this opportunity to work with Yes for EU to publicly meet with our friends in Europe.”
