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We need to emphasise what we've gained from being in the EU

Ross Greer, Europe spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for West of Scotland, today challenged the rhetoric of Tories George Osborne and Boris Johnson in the debate on the UK's membership of the EU.

 

Mr Osborne claims leaving the European Union would tip the UK into a year-long recession, while Mr Johnson claims the EU is "out of control" with regulations on bananas and vacuum cleaners.

 

Ross Greer, Europe spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for West of Scotland, said:

 

"Another day, another uninspiring clash between two flavours of Tory austerity. George Osborne is simply lifting from the Project Fear playbook with his dire warnings about Brexit, when instead we need to emphasise what we've gained from being in the EU; for example, improved workers' rights. 

 

"Of course, it's no surprise that Osborne wouldn't bring this up, given that his party have been opposed to improved workers' rights at every turn. It's not just Holyrood which protects us from the worst excesses of Westminster Tories.

 

"With opinion polling showing Scotland is firmly for remaining in the EU, while UK-wide polls are on a knife edge, it's vital that progressive voices are heard in this debate. Scots who support being a member of the EU and improving it from within need to speak up and reassure the rest of the UK that a vote to Remain is not an endorsement of Tory economics. It is a vote to start building a better Europe, a people's Europe."