So it is somewhat inevitable that the Scottish Parliament will formally back the case for the UK remaining in the European Union at decision time.

This morning's debate in the Holyrood chamber will see the leaders of all five parties speak in favour of Remain.

Ministers said they wanted to send a "clear, unequivocal" message of the parliament's support for EU membership ahead of the referendum on 23 June.

But there will be a small number of dissenting voices from the Conservative ranks.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

When all 129 MSPs were asked where they stood on the EU referendum by BBC Scotland online, only the following three new Conservative MSPs replied saying they backed Brexit:

• Graham Simpson
• Alexander Stewart
• Ross Thomson

Fellow Tory MSP Margaret Mitchell has also made her backing of leaving the EU public, although she did not reply to the enquiry from the BBC. 

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood live coverage of the Scottish Parliament.

To be in the EU or not to be? That is the question MSPs will be debating this morning in the chamber.

Image source, bbc

In the afternoon MSPs will continue to debate the government's programme for the next term.