EGP STATEMENT ON THE SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM
Commenting on the results of the Independence Referendum in Scotland, European Green Party Co-Chairs Monica Frassoni and Reinhard Bütikofer say:
“This morning’s result is a clear win for the campaign to keep the United Kingdom together, and we respect this decision by the Scottish people. The implications of this result remain to be seen. Going forward, we expect the three major parties in Westminster to keep their promises and to devolve far more power to the Scottish Parliament. We are looking forward continuing cooperation with the SNP on common goals.
“However, we must not overlook that the Independence Referendum has been a triumph of political engagement and democratic mobilization. The 84.5% turnout demonstrates quite clearly that participative democracy is alive and well. The broad level of engagement by 16 and 17 year olds, who could vote for the first time in an election in any part of the UK, is a clear signal to the rest of Europe that young people must be given a say in the decisions that affect them.
“We compliment the Scottish Greens for their positive role in this process, and together with them we will continue to uphold the values of inclusion and social responsibility throughout Europe.”
Commenting on the results of the Independence Referendum in Scotland, European Green Party Co-Chairs Monica Frassoni and Reinhard Bütikofer say:
“This morning’s result is a clear win for the campaign to keep the United Kingdom together, and we respect this decision by the Scottish people. The implications of this result remain to be seen. Going forward, we expect the three major parties in Westminster to keep their promises and to devolve far more power to the Scottish Parliament. We are looking forward continuing cooperation with the SNP on common goals.
“However, we must not overlook that the Independence Referendum has been a triumph of political engagement and democratic mobilization. The 84.5% turnout demonstrates quite clearly that participative democracy is alive and well. The broad level of engagement by 16 and 17 year olds, who could vote for the first time in an election in any part of the UK, is a clear signal to the rest of Europe that young people must be given a say in the decisions that affect them.
“We compliment the Scottish Greens for their positive role in this process, and together with them we will continue to uphold the values of inclusion and social responsibility throughout Europe.”