‘Thanks for supporting our independence dream’ Sturgeon’s SNP write gushing letter to EU

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Nicola Sturgeon's SNP thanked European MPs for their support over independence

The party’s MSPs thanked a group of MEPs and parliamentarians from across Europe for their support as the SNP attempts to push through plans for a second Scottish independence referendum.

50 European politicians from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Sweden, Greece, Hungary and Malta signed a letter stating Scotland would be "most welcome" as a full member of the EU if it chooses independence.

The SNP group at Holyrood branded any attempts by any UK government to block the referendum “fundamentally undemocratic and completely unsustainable”.

It would be fundamentally undemocratic and completely unsustainable for any UK Government to block the will of our national Parliament and stand in the way of Scotland having that choice

Bruce Crawford MSP

In a reply to the European politicians, SNP group convener Bruce Crawford said: “Last month the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of holding an independence referendum once the terms of Brexit are clear.

“It would be fundamentally undemocratic and completely unsustainable for any UK Government to block the will of our national Parliament and stand in the way of Scotland having that choice.

“It is important to remember that it is the intransigence of the UK Government which has brought us to this juncture. The Scottish Government offered a serious compromise plan, which was completely disregarded by the UK Government.

“Scotland's voice must not be ignored and, with support from friends across Europe who recognise the important values of democracy and international co-operation, we can ensure that it will not be ignored.

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Ms Sturgeon is in a stand-off with Theresa May over the referendum

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Theresa May has stressed "now is not the time" for a fresh Scottish vote

“We welcome your offer of support in ensuring a swift, smooth and orderly transition of an independent Scotland into the family of independent European nations if Scotland chooses that future in a democratic referendum.

“The depth of goodwill from across Europe is indeed heartening as we embark on that process and we look forward to continued close co-operation in the months and years ahead.”

The letter comes as Nicola Sturgeon prepares to return to Holyrood to set out her next steps after Theresa May rejected her request to hold another referendum.

PM and Sturgeon feign smiles as they go to battle over referendum Wed, April 5, 2017

British Prime Minister Theresa May met Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Glasgow, following the announcement that Scotland is to hold a second Independence Referendum

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British Prime Minister Theresa May meets Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Glasgow, following the announcement that Scotland is to hold a second Independence Referendum

Ms Sturgeon is in a stand-off with the Prime Minister over the referendum with Downing Street stressing “not is not the time” for a new ballot.

The First Minister wants there to be another vote on Scotland leaving the UK between autumn 2018 and spring 2019, when the terms of the UK's Brexit deal are clear.