European benefit from devolution

Scotland Europa helps firms in Europe

Scotland's voice in Europe has been strengthened by devolution, according to the Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell.

In an address to mark the 10th anniversary of Scotland Europa, she said that the country had been put at the heart of a Europe from which it benefitted economically.

She also launched a veiled assault on the Scottish National Party, branding it "nitpickers".

Scotland Europa was set up to provide Scottish organisations with contacts in Brussels.

Helen Liddell: Attacking SNP

Mrs Liddell dismissed criticism that the European Union was preoccupied with petty rules and regulations.

She pointed out that Scottish ministers regularly took part in EU ministerial councils.

Referring to the "nitpickers", she said that they scanned attendance lists at EU councils, hoping a Scot was not involved.

The SNP's foreign affairs spokesman, Angus Robertson MP, responded: "Scotland needs a direct voice in Europe with Independence, so that our vital interests can be protected and promoted instead of neglected and sold-out by Westminster."

He accused her of similarly criticising the Labour-controlled Commons committee which recently said ministers were failing to share information from EU meetings with the Scottish Parliament.