A GRASSROOTS group of “ordinary” Scottish citizens has sent a petition to the European Parliament and the EU Commission voicing their concerns about the impending loss of our European citizenship.

Equality Nation, a non-party group that supports independence, said it wanted to ensure that should Scotland choose to become an independent nation and decide to join the EU, that its application would be well-received.

The petition has been sent in the name of Russell Bruce, who said he hoped it would be welcomed.

“There is no complex legal case to unravel but we earnestly request an answer that a future application from Scotland for EU membership would find an open door and a joint willingness to progress a positive common European future,” he said.

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“We recognise our use of the formal petition procedure may be considered unusual.

“Due to Brexit, our imminent departure and loss of EU citizenship means the petition procedure is our only way of making a direct appeal to the EU Parliament during the remaining days of our citizenship.”

Bruce said Scotland has a long history as a European nation and was a fundamental part of our identity, regardless of where we were born. He said freedoms to travel, trade and engage with others through the structures of the EU were enormously important.

“We mourn the impending loss of the rights of citizenship, facing an uncertain future in a UK intent on changes to the fundamental legal rights and protections we at present enjoy in European and International law,” he said.

“Although welcome and appreciated in Scotland, these EU citizens have been appallingly treated by the UK Government, and many still face a very uncertain future despite wishing to remain in Scotland.”

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Bruce said Scotland did not vote for Brexit and EU nationals resident here were not allowed a vote on it.

He added: “As ordinary citizens we believe we should also have a means to engage with the EU Parliament and, using this, to communicate directly with our fellow EU citizens ... It is vital we learn from the mistakes of the past and learn to speak up for democracy.”