This week I have sent out a letter to EU nationals living in Strathkelvin and Bearsden to reassure them that they are welcome in Scotland after the UK’s Brexit vote. Here’s the full text:
Dear Resident
RE: European Union referendum, I am writing to you to reassure you that you and your family remain welcome in Scotland and Strathkelvin and Bearsden in particular.
I appreciate that this is a worrying and uncertain time, but would like to take this opportunity to make it clear just how much we value the contribution of people from around Europe, who have put down roots in Strathkelvin and Bearsden and who have made this area a home for their families. This is your home and the social, cultural and economic contribution your presence brings to Strathkelvin and Bearsden remains deeply valued.
This is my view and it is also the overwhelming view of the Scottish Parliament. I voted for a motion mandating negotiations to take place between the Scottish Government and international partners. The motion also stated that the Scottish Parliament “affirms to citizens of other EU countries living here that they remain welcome and that their contribution is valued”.
Full text of the motion:
Scottish Parliament motion S5M-00601, 28th June 2016
That the Parliament welcomes the overwhelming vote of the people of Scotland to remain in the European Union; affirms to citizens of other EU countries living here that they remain welcome and that their contribution is valued; mandates the Scottish Government to have discussions with the UK Government, other devolved administrations, the EU institutions and member states to explore options for protecting Scotland’s relationship with the EU, Scotland’s place in the single market and the social, employment and economic benefits that come from that, and instructs the Scottish Government to report back regularly to parliamentarians, to the European and External Relations Committee and the Parliament on the progress of those discussions and to seek Parliament’s approval of the outcome of that process.
While there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances I appreciate there remains great uncertainty over how events will unfold. If you have any issues or concerns you would like to discuss with us please do not hesitate to get in touch, either by emailing me at rona.mackay.msp@parliament.scot or by phoning my constituency office on 0141 776 1561 to arrange a meeting.
Yours sincerely
Rona Mackay MSP MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden (SNP)