The European Movement in Scotland has announced Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale MSP has signed up to be one of its vice presidents
Scotland's oldest dedicated pro-Europe campaigning organisation has signed up Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale MSP as one of its vice presidents.
Dugdale joins former Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campell, now Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, who is the president of the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS).
Taking up the role, Dugdale, said: "There is strong support here in Scotland, and across the UK, to secure the best Brexit deal to protect our economy, jobs and living standards.
“As we get closer to the triggering of Article 50, now is the time for those of us who support maintaining strong ties with Europe to fight for what we believe in."
EMiS has launched a campaign to counter what it refers to as “Brexit misinformation” and is aiming to get as many pro-European voices heard in public, in the media and in government.
Michael Russell MSP, minister for UK negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe; Patrick Harvie MSP, co-convener of the Scottish Green Party; Willie Rennie MSP, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats; and Struan Stevenson, former Conservative MEP, have also reconfirmed their commitment to the role of vice-presidents – a position each of them has held since before the EU referendum.
Lord Campbell welcomed the line-up of political support: "I am delighted to see this strong cross-party backing for the European Movement in Scotland and for a continuing European future for Scotland,” he added.
“Now is the time for all in Scotland who are concerned about the disastrous Brexit that the prime minister and her government is pursuing to work together and support the EU.
“We must each of us stand up for the values that have built a prosperous and peaceful Europe."
EMiS is an independent, not-for-profit, non-party, non-governmental organisation, funded exclusively by its members.
It receives no funding from any political party, from the EU, from the UK or Scottish governments.
