SCOTLAND’S First Minister said she was "fighting" for a European future as she visited Berlin.
Five years on from the 2014 independence referendum, Nicola Sturgeon was in the German capital to talk to government and business leaders.
While the UK is due to leave the European Union at the end of October, the SNP leader stressed that Scotland was an "outward-looking European nation" – as she pledged to do "everything" in her power to try to halt a possible No-Deal Brexit.
The First Minister, who is meeting the German Europe minister Michael Roth as well as members of the German Council on Foreign Relations and the German Chambers of Commerce, insisted that Scotland's "desire for continued EU membership is about far more than self-interest".
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: Unionists trying to 'rig' independence question
She added: "The EU's fundamental values are ones we cherish – freedom, democracy, the rule of law, equality, and respect for human dignity and human rights.
"Scotland clearly benefits from EU membership. It is good for our businesses, our universities, and our people – who have the freedom to study, live and work across the continent.
"Scotland has also been enriched by the many EU citizens who have done us the honour of making Scotland their home."
The First Minister spoke after receiving an award from the German press for her “responsible and ethical stance against Brexit” and for being “a crucial voice of reason” in the debate over Britain’s exit from the EU.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon presented with German media award
She continued: "There is still a very real risk of the UK leaving the European Union without a deal. That would damage our economy and communities and I will do everything in my power to stop that happening.
"With the current Brexit deadline approaching it is important that our friends and neighbours in the EU know that Scotland remains a committed European nation and that we will continue to work with our EU nations on key issues including tackling the climate emergency.
"At a time when the rule-based international order is under threat, the EU exemplifies the benefits of co-operation and solidarity.
"For all of these reasons Scotland sees the EU as a natural home."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel