Scottish Lib Dem conference: Leader Tim Farron in staunch defence of EU

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron delivered a staunch defence of Britain's membership of the EU during a speech to party members in Scotland.

He also spoke about challenging the SNP's "arrogant sense of entitlement".

A referendum on whether Britain should remain a member of the EU will take place on Thursday, 23 June.

Mr Farron insisted that the only party "wholly" in favour of a Scotland "that is prosperous and secure within Europe and the UK" was the Liberal Democrats.

The party in Scotland has been holding its annual conference at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.

Members had already heard from Scottish leader Willie Rennie who told them that he wanted to add 1p to income tax bands north of the border in order to raise £475m for investment in schools.

Mr Farron spoke on Saturday afternoon when the focus of his address was on Britain's future in Europe.

Prime Minister David Cameron secured an agreement with other EU members which will take effect immediately if the UK votes to remain in the EU.

The deal includes:

• changes to migrant welfare payments

• safeguards for Britain's financial services

• and making it easier to block unwanted EU regulations.

Pro-European Mr Fallon told the Scottish Liberal Democrat conference: "The decision to remain or to leave is the biggest in generations for our country.

"And while the renegotiation was successful. It wasn't central. It's not central in the minds of most people. People across Scotland, across all of Britain will make up their mind on much bigger issues."

'The real questions'

He added: "Given that Europe is the world's biggest market, will we be more prosperous if we remain or leave?

"Given that this is a dangerous and uncertain world, are we safer and more secure by staying alongside our closest friends and neighbours? Or turning our backs on them?

"Given the scale of international challenges of a global economy, climate change and the refugee crisis - are we better to face these together or alone?

"They are the real questions, not the endless speculation about the future of the Tories.

"And the answers to each of those questions is a no brainer. If you want a Britain that is prosperous, secure, a Britain that matters then you are voting to keep Britain in Europe."

Delegates of the Scottish Liberal Democrats gathered in Edinburgh for their two-day conference

Mr Farron believed his party members should "celebrate the positive future that is a European Union prepared to work together to tackle the great challenges facing the world".

He also insisted that the "SNP's arrogant sense of entitlement to rule".

The MP added: "They act like you have no right to vote any other way. We will not have that. We need to remind the SNP that theirs is not the only voice in Scottish politics, that they do not have all the answers.

"Many will stand for the Scottish Parliament in May so that they can hold office and bear titles, but Liberals stand to make a difference. We want to challenge the concentration of power in Holyrood that is so detrimental to our schools and our hospitals.

"Between now and May 5th I need you to get out on the doorstep across this nation and take advantage of the fact that people are desperate for something authentic and true to challenge those who presume to rule us but who fail us."

What are party leaders saying about Europe?

Willie Rennie, Scottish Lib Dem leader

"Along with my colleagues both at Holyrood and at Westminster, I believe Britain should remain in the European Union.

"Next to the NHS, the EU is one of the best things Britain has created. Our ancestors would look on in envy on the peace we've had in Europe over the past seven decades.'

Patrick Harvie, Scottish Green co-leader

"I'm strongly in favour of staying in the EU, and this was the overwhelming view of our party conference. However, we refuse to see this as a debate between two versions of the same free market, anti-immigration ideology.

"Europe has been at its best with a strong social and environmental agenda."

Nigel Farage, UKIP leader

"There's not much point in having a United Kingdom if we're governed from somewhere else. We may as well become a satellite state of the European Union because that's virtually what we are.

"Our courts aren't supreme. Our parliaments aren't supreme, whether that's in Holyrood or in Westminster. This is not about Scotland's relationship with Westminster. This is about whether Scotland wants to be part of an independent UK."

Nicola Sturgeon, SNP leader and Scotland's FM

"I believe both Scotland and the UK should stay in the EU. Scotland benefits from being part of the EU, and the EU benefits from having Scotland a part of it.

"No SNP parliamentarian has expressed a desire to campaign for the out campaign - though they are not prevented from doing so. I am determined to make the positive case for continued membership in a reformed EU."

Ruth Davidson, Scottish Conservative leader

"The advantages we gain from EU membership clearly and categorically outweigh any disadvantages that come with it.

"I campaigned for Scotland to stay part of a wider Union. And I believe Britain should stay part of a wider Union too. We decided last year that party elected representatives and members should be able to take their own decision on this."

Kezia Dugdale, Scottish Labour leader

"I support staying in the EU because I believe it will secure the best future for families in Scotland.

"Scottish Labour is already campaigning for an In vote. It's for individual politicians to decide how they vote, but the overwhelming majority of Labour MSPs back staying in the EU."