"It’s good to talk, but it’s also good to listen" – European Committee to consult on Scotland’s role in Europe

Given the recent poor turnout in the elections to the European Parliament, the cross-party committee agreed that it was vital that the benefits of the UK’s continuing membership of the European Union were spelt out across Scotland.

The committee was concerned, however, not to prejudice any views on what these benefits were, and what the future objectives should be for the Scottish Parliament in its efforts to play an active role in European affairs.

Speaking after the meeting, the convener of the committee, Mr. Hugh Henry MSP, said that –

"Part of the committee’s role is to scrutinise proposals for European legislation and to hold the Scottish Executive to account in relation to the implementation of European matters in Scotland. But I and the committee recognise that in addition to these tasks, we can act as a important vehicle for the views of Scottish people on wider issues to be heard in Brussels."

"By working alongside our MEPs and of course Ministers in the Scottish Executive, we can seek to ensure the voice of Scotland is heard in the corridors of power."

"That is why we as a committee are launching from today a consultation process to listen to business, the voluntary sector, the educational establishment and indeed any interested person on what they consider are the benefits of the EU to Scotland and what the future priorities should be."

"One of the things that’s clear to me is that it is vital that we listen first to Scottish society before we make plans for our future work programme. In this way we can be sure that what we are doing reflects the desire of the people. If people feel empowered that their views are being acted upon, then their interest in the issues can be increased".

If you are interested in sending your views to the committee on Scotland’s priorities and how the Scottish Parliament can realise them, then please send them to –

Hugh Henry MSP

c/o Stephen Imrie
Clerk to the European Committee
Room 3.11, Committee Chambers
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh, EH99 1SP

BACKGROUND NOTES

The committee’s membership is as follows:

Dennis Canavan, Bruce Crawford, Winnie Ewing, Hugh Henry (convener), Sylvia Jackson, Cathy Jamieson, Margo MacDonald, Maureen Macmillan, David Mundell, Irene Oldfather, Tavish Scott, Ben Wallace and Allan Wilson.