Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - The Scottish Government did not want a referendum to address this subject again – this time on the UK’s membership of the EU - but now that it has been decided, we are determined to explain the positive reasons why we should be a working part of Europe, and what this great union of nations contributes to our society.
The fundamental vision of the EU is that independent nations work together for the common good, and I believe that this appeals to the hard working people of this country also.
Stewart Stevenson MSP's maiden speech on Fisheries, 14 June 2001
But there is room for us to reform some of the workings of the EU. My maiden speech in the Scottish Parliament in June 2001 was on the Common Fisheries Policy. In recent times, Scotland has contributed to the reforms which were agreed by the EU to the Common Fisheries Policy. They involve changes to allow more decisions to be made at regional rather than at EU level. This will make regulations more proportionate and less burdensome for the industry, and reflects an approach that we would like to see adopted more widely. Not enough yet, but progress made.
It’s worth taking the time to look at what the EU does for us. There are more than around 300,000 jobs in Scotland associated with exports to the EU, and the combination of nations provides the market for 46 per cent of our international exports – worth £12.9 million in 2013.
Ernst and Young recently published a survey which confirmed that Scotland has become the most successful part of the UK outside of London for attracting inward investment projects. For many investors, our EU membership is a vital selling point.
We also cannot take for granted the freedom to travel, study and work across Europe, and the benefits that are brought to Scotland. There are currently 171,000 people from elsewhere in the European Union who live and work in this country. It goes without saying that these people contribute in a hugely significant way to our culture, economy and our society.
There are also the practical benefits that being an EU member brings. From climate change to energy security and international trade - decisions taken by the European Union are more effective than those made by 28 individual nations. One example is air quality. European decisions helped us to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by almost 9/10 in the last four decades.
Research collaborations in areas such as renewable energy, life sciences and sustainable planning are also vital - where Scottish universities and research institutions can be part of a larger conversation in these areas.
The EU is not perfect, but I believe that by working with our neighbours across the continent, the achievements are far more significant than the shortcomings. Rather than leave, we want to work to improve what we have.
Each of the individual regions of Scotland, including of course the North East, have so much to offer the EU, and we have a lot to learn. But the benefits of trade, jobs and the ability to study and travel across 28 countries cannot be diminished. Scotland can be a positive force within the EU for many decades to come – contributing and benefiting in equal measure, and this is why we should vote to remain within this community of nations.
