Ming to lead Scottish campaign to stay in EU

Sir Menzies (“Ming”) Campbell has been appointed to lead the campaign in Scotland to keep the UK in the EU by the nation’s only dedicated pro-European campaigning organisation.

Now Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, the former MP for NE Fife, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson and leader, will head the European Movement in Scotland’s campaign north of the border.

Under the branding of ‘Europe - The Big Picture, Vote Remain’, the campaign will aim to highlight the considerable benefits that Scotland in particular gains from membership of the EU in the run up to the June referendum.

The campaign will include a series of ‘town-hall’ style events, to be held throughout the country, bringing the positive messages of EU membership to the public, backed up by a media campaign.

Commenting on his appointment Lord Campbell said: “Our message will be a simple one – every person in Scotland benefits from our membership of the EU. Whether it is climate change, energy security, organised crime and terrorism or international trade, decisions taken by the EU are more effective than the ones made by 28 individual states.

“While anti-EU campaigners can create a lot of noise they cannot hide the fact that there is a solid majority in Scotland in favour of our remaining in the EU, and it is this silent majority that we hope to mobilise to win this debate.

“The peace, stability and prosperity that the EU has brought to Scotland through our membership is to be absolutely cherished. Over the next few months we will be putting forward an unremitting and unashamedly positive case for our continued EU membership, ensuring that everyone can see the ‘big picture’ of the advantages our membership brings.”

Commenting of the appointment of Lord Campbell as head of the campaign Derek Hammersley, Chairman of the European Movement in Scotland commented:

“Ming is a statesman whose moderation and common sense are respected across the political divide and different generations. He will be a tremendous asset as we promote the positive case for our continued membership of the EU throughout the country.

“We will be bringing the message of peace, stability and prosperity that our membership has delivered to Scotland through a series of activities, including a range of ‘town hall’ meetings where people can hear the case for voting to remain in the EU.”