Submitted by:
Johann Lamont,
Glasgow Pollok, Scottish Labour
Date lodged:
Monday, 29 October 2012
Motion type: Motion For Debate
Motion reference: S4M-04594
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Motions as amended
S4M-04594 Johann Lamont: The Future of Scotland—That the Parliament welcomes the Edinburgh agreement, which provides the framework for Scotland to reach independence, and the commitment of the Scottish and United Kingdom governments to work together constructively in the light of the outcome of the referendum, whatever it is, in the best interests of the people of Scotland and of the rest of the UK; believes that an independent Scotland continuing in the European Union would be in the best interests of Scotland, the rest of the UK and the EU as a whole and that a Scotland rich in oil and other natural resources would be welcomed as a continuing member of the EU; notes that a range of international experts have made the case that an independent Scotland would continue in the EU and that, in light of the Edinburgh agreement, the Scottish Government has now commissioned specific legal advice on Scotland’s position in the EU from the Law Officers; welcomes the independent investigation announced by the First Minister to determine whether there has been any breach of the Scottish Ministerial Code and calls on all parties in the Parliament to accept its findings, and regrets the Labour Party’s unwillingness to use a debate entitled “The Future of Scotland” to address substantive policy issues on the future of Scotland such as the fact that, within the union, Trident nuclear weapons will remain on the Clyde and the damaging impact of UK Government welfare reforms that are impoverishing so many of Scotland’s most vulnerable citizens, which are both compelling arguments for a different and independent future for Scotland.
Supported by: Patricia Ferguson
Vote
Result62 for, 53 against, 1 abstained, 12 did not voteAgreed
That the Parliament notes with grave concern the confusion caused by the contradictory comments of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister as to whether or not legal advice had been sought regarding an independent Scotland's status in respect of EU membership; considers that clarification of the situation is still required and calls on the First Minister to make a full statement to the Parliament providing such clarification, and urges the Lord Advocate to inform the Parliament what advice he has provided to the Scottish Government, believing that the credibility of the First Minister and the Scottish Government are at stake and that nothing less than full disclosure is required.