That this House welcomes the formation by the Scottish Government of an expert-led Standing Council on Europe tasked with advising Scottish Ministers on how best to secure Scotland's relationship with the EU whilst protecting Scotland's wider interests and objectives as the country begins to enter discussions and negotiations with European partners; notes that the Standing Council comprises specialists in legal, financial, business and diplomatic matters, including former European Court Judge, Sir David Edward, former Permanent Representative to NATO, Dame Alison Mariot Leslie, former Chief Scientific Adviser to President Barosso, Dame Anne Glover and the distinguished economist Professor John Kay amongst others; further notes that the Standing Council will be chaired by leading economist and Principal of the University of Glasgow, Professor Anton Muscatelli, himself born in Italy, who currently serves on the First Minister's Council of Economic Advisors; further welcomes the Scottish Government's positive and inclusive approach in seeking to protect Scotland's place in and relationship with the European Union, as supported by over 60% of Scotland's population in the EU referendum, including majority support for remaining within the EU from each local authority area in the country; values Scotland's place as a welcoming place for our valued fellow-EU citizens to live, work and contribute as much as the freedom and prosperity that comes with our rights to travel, live, work and study in other European countries; and looks forward to Scotland's continued membership of the European Union as an open, inclusive and outward-looking society committed to European ideals.

That this House welcomes the formation by the Scottish Government of an expert-led Standing Council on Europe tasked with advising Scottish Ministers on how best to secure Scotland's relationship with the EU whilst protecting Scotland's wider interests and objectives as the country begins to enter discussions and negotiations with European...