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EU referendum date: Scottish leaders promise strong and positive campaign EU referendum date: Scottish leaders promise strong and positive campaign
(35 minutes later)
Scotland's political leaders have vowed to make a strong and positive case for the UK to remain in the EU as the date for the referendum was announced.Scotland's political leaders have vowed to make a strong and positive case for the UK to remain in the EU as the date for the referendum was announced.
David Cameron has said the vote will take place on Thursday 23 June.David Cameron has said the vote will take place on Thursday 23 June.
Nicola Sturgeon said she believed the date was "wrong" but said it was now time to get on with the campaign.Nicola Sturgeon said she believed the date was "wrong" but said it was now time to get on with the campaign.
Kezia Dugdale said Labour was "Scotland's internationalist party" and Ruth Davidson of the Conservatives said there should now be "honest debate".Kezia Dugdale said Labour was "Scotland's internationalist party" and Ruth Davidson of the Conservatives said there should now be "honest debate".
The prime minister made his announcement on the date for the referendum in Downing Street after briefing his cabinet.The prime minister made his announcement on the date for the referendum in Downing Street after briefing his cabinet.
It came after he said late on Friday night that he had secured a deal struck with EU leaders which will give the UK "special status".It came after he said late on Friday night that he had secured a deal struck with EU leaders which will give the UK "special status".
The first minister said it was now more important than ever that those who support Scotland's membership of the EU speak out. Scotland's first minister said she believed Mr Cameron had been negotiating on "very narrow grounds" and it was now time to hear the "big, picture, positive case" for remaining in the EU.
However, Ms Sturgeon said she was concerned about the clash between the June referendum date and the Scottish Parliament election which will be held on Thursday 5 May. However, Ms Sturgeon said she was concerned about the clash between the June referendum date and the Holyrood elections which will be held on Thursday 5 May.
She added: "The conclusion of an agreement at the European Council means the focus can now shift to the bigger and much more important matter of why our continued European Union membership is overwhelmingly in Scotland and the UK's best interests. She said: "I still think it is the wrong date, not just because of the overlap with the Scottish Parliament elections but also because I think we do need time to have that big, positive debate that I have been talking about.
"For more than 40 years, individuals, businesses and communities across Scotland have experienced the many social, economic and cultural benefits of EU membership." "But that, in a sense has passed, the date has been named so it's time to get on with it."
Ms Dugdale said that, now the package of reforms had been agreed and a date set, "those of us who back staying in the EU must get on and make the positive case for that".Ms Dugdale said that, now the package of reforms had been agreed and a date set, "those of us who back staying in the EU must get on and make the positive case for that".
She added: "Labour is Scotland's internationalist party. We believe working in solidarity with other nations makes us stronger. We will be enthusiastic leaders of this campaign."She added: "Labour is Scotland's internationalist party. We believe working in solidarity with other nations makes us stronger. We will be enthusiastic leaders of this campaign."
Scottish Conservative leader Ms Davidson said: "Whether you are a natural supporter of the EU or prefer Britain to leave, if you are under 58, you've never been offered the chance to give your opinion at the ballot box.Scottish Conservative leader Ms Davidson said: "Whether you are a natural supporter of the EU or prefer Britain to leave, if you are under 58, you've never been offered the chance to give your opinion at the ballot box.
"It's right to have this referendum so everyone's voice is heard.""It's right to have this referendum so everyone's voice is heard."
She added: "For my own part, I believe that - on balance - Scotland's businesses do better from being part of the biggest free trade bloc in the world, and I hope the country chooses to remain."She added: "For my own part, I believe that - on balance - Scotland's businesses do better from being part of the biggest free trade bloc in the world, and I hope the country chooses to remain."
Ross Greer, Scottish Green Party spokesman on Europe, said the need to put forward a vision on a European Union "based on solidarity and the common good" was "more urgent than ever".