Sturgeon meets EU leaders to discuss Scotland remaining in the EU
Sturgeon holds talks with Juncker and Shulz in an attempt to try to keep Scotland in the EU after Brexit.
My objective at this very early stage is firstly to raise awareness of the fact that Scotland voted differently in this referendum to the UK as a whole and that there is an aspiration and desire in Scotland, cross-party, to protect Scotland’s relationship with the European Union and our place in the European Union. And secondly, to begin the process of mapping out and exploring what the options for Scotland might be. I’m very aware that this is a long process ahead of us. It’s likely to be a difficult and challenging process, but I’m determined that we take every possible step to protect Scotland’s interests at every stage of it.
If there is a way for Scotladn to stay, I am determined to try and find that way. All of the options are on the table. As I say, I don’t underestimate the challenges, but I have been heartend that I have found a willingness to listen.
Jucker said that although he would gladly hear Sturgeon’s case, he was not in a position to enter into talks on Scotland’s future separately from the UK.
Scotland won the right to be heard in Brussels, so I will listen carefully to what the first minister will tell me but we don’t have the intention, neither Donald Tusk nor myself, to interfere in the British process. That is not our job.
Schulz said he had “listened and learned”.
