EU referendum result: Nicola Sturgeon says Scotland sees its future as part of the EU as Brexit confirmed
The Scottish First Minister spoke after all 32 local authories in Scotland delivered a Remain vote
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Louise Thomas
Editor
Nicola Sturgeon has said the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union, after it became clear Britain had voted for Brexit in a historic referendum.
Speaking after all 32 local authorities delivered a vote to Remain in Scotland, the First Minister welcomed her country’s “unequivocal” vote to stay in Europe. But despite the vote, the country still faces having to exit the European Union after the Leave campaign edged ahead across the UK.
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The SNP manifesto for May's Scottish Parliament election said there should be another ballot if there was a "significant and material" change in circumstances from the 2014 vote, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against its will.
After all the results north of the border were declared, Ms Sturgeon said: "Scotland has delivered a strong, unequivocal vote to remain in the EU, and I welcome that endorsement of our European status.
"And while the overall result remains to be declared, the vote here makes clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union.”
She added: "Scotland has contributed significantly to the Remain vote across the UK. That reflects the positive campaign the SNP fought, which highlighted the gains and benefits of our EU membership, and people across Scotland have responded to that positive message.
"We await the final UK-wide result, but Scotland has spoken - and spoken decisively.”
Former first minister Alex Salmond told the BBC: "Scotland looks like it is going to vote solidly Remain. If there was a Leave vote in England, dragging us out the EU, I'm quite certain Nicola Sturgeon would implement the SNP manifesto.”
Holyrood External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hylsop warned that a decision by the UK to quit Europe would have "consequences”.
She told the BBC: "Scotland clearly and decisively voted to remain part of the European Union, 62 to 38 with an increased turn out form the Scottish Parliament elections barely six weeks ago.
"That sends a strong message, it's quite clear we see a different type of politics in Scotland, a different approach to constitutional affairs.”
"I think people will be looking very closely at this result and looking at the prospects for Scotland and what is in the best interests of Scotland going forward.
"We're quite clear, the Scottish Government will protect Scotland's interests whatever the circumstances and we intend to do that.”
How the Scottish Government will do that "will depend on exactly what the result is", Ms Hyslop added.
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