As someone who has previously worked in the
European Parliament, he believes that EU reform is needed to get the best deal
for Scotland and the UK. Ian supports the Prime Minister’s plan to re-negotiate
improved terms for Britain in the EU before offering an in-out referendum in
2017. No one under 56 has ever had their say on
European membership as the last referendum was in 1975. Recent polling shows
that almost six in ten Scots want a referendum on Britain’s membership of the
European Union.
Scottish Conservative MEP Dr Ian Duncan said:
“I am delighted the people of Scotland have placed their trust in me and I
intend to repay that trust when I get to Brussels. I was only 16-years-old the
last time the Scottish Conservatives got a higher number of votes in the
European elections. Struan Stevenson is a tough act to follow but I am looking
forward to building on his excellent work, particularly in getting a better
deal for fishermen.
“This is a very exciting time in the history
of our position in Europe and we have an opportunity to secure real change to
our relationship with the EU. The people of Scotland clearly want change and I
will go to Brussels determined to fight for their interests. From fishermen in
the Shetland Islands and farmers in Dumfries, to those working in the financial
sector in Edinburgh, my role is to represent everyone. A Europe that works for
us not against us is my aim and I will continue to listen to the people of
Scotland to ensure that it is their interests, their concerns and their desires
that I am championing in Brussels.”
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson
MSP said: “This was a good night for the Conservatives in Scotland – our vote
went up, bucking the trend for Conservatives across the UK. More people cast
their vote for the Scottish Conservatives in this election than at any Euro
poll since 1989 – a quarter of a century.
“I’m ambitious for this party and I want
today’s result to be a platform on which we can build for the General Election.
We have more work to do to reconnect with voters – but our pro-union, low-tax,
personal choice message is gaining ground across the country.
“Ian Duncan has already fought for this
country in Europe, as the Scottish Parliament’s head man in Brussels. He now
goes there as a supremely qualified MEP, ready to make a difference. Ian’s got
guts and determination to burn. He’ll fight hard for Scotland’s voice to be
heard and I am proud to send Ian as the Scottish Conservative’s representative
to the European parliament.”
