"We want to explore options for Scotland to retain EU membership and a priority is to work collaboratively because a lot of the challenges we face do have a European dimension to them… The result [of the Brexit referendum] must be recognized but people must understand the obligation placed on Scottish parliamentarians that is to pursue what is in the best interests of their constituents. It is the constituents, the voters who have made it clear that their interests are better served by membership of the EU," Finnie said.
The lawmaker accused pro-Brexit politicians of being "naive" if they believed they could still retain the benefits of EU membership following an exit from the trading bloc.
On June 23, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it. A total of 62 percent of Scottish voters backed remaining within the European Union.
Earlier this week, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with senior EU officials to discuss possible options for Scotland in the wake of Brexit. But the leaders of France and Spain have made it clear there should be no formal discussions with Scotland until the United Kingdom has concluded its exit from the European Union.
