Scotland seeks to maintain relationship with EU after Brexit

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Friday said the EU referendum "makes clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union" after all of Scotland's 32 local authority areas returned majorities for 'Remain'.

"Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status," Xinhua news agency quoted Sturgeon as saying.

The Scottish First Minister said Scotland contributed significantly to the 'Remain' vote across Britain, which reflects the positive campaign the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) fought and highlighted the gains and benefits of Britain's EU membership, and that people across Scotland responded to that positive message.

"Scotland has spoken, and spoken decisively," said the SNP leader after Scotland votes 62 percent in favour of remaining in the EU.

Sturgeon had suggested that a 'Leave' vote for Britain might re-ignite demands for another Scottish independence referendum after the majority of Scots chose to stay in Britain in the 2014 independence referendum.

The Scottish government will seek to maintain Scotland's relationship with the EU after voters overwhelmingly backed 'Remain', Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said.

Hyslop warned that the EU vote outcome will have consequences and many Scots who opted to stay in Britain two years ago will now be re-assessing their decision.

Britain voted on Thursday in a historic referendum to leave the EU after 43 years in the bloc. The Leave campaign got about 52 per cent of the votes, against 48 per cent for Remain.

--IANS

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