Scottish Government Debate: Scotland’s Place in the European Union - Protecting and Promoting Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

Angela Constance S5M-03297 That the Parliament restates its commitment to human dignity and to acting at all times to respect, protect and promote human rights; reiterates the importance also of freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law as common values shared by all progressive nations; acknowledges that the EU is founded on these same fundamental values, which are of universal importance and transcend national borders; calls on the UK Government to give an undertaking not to take, or propose, any action that weakens or undermines participation in other international human rights mechanisms, including in particular the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights, and records its opposition to any loss in Scotland of the human rights, equality, social protection and other safeguards and standards enshrined in EU law and set out in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; emphasises that civil, political, economic, social and cultural human rights are universal, inalienable and inviolable, and are simultaneously indivisible, interrelated and interdependent; further calls on the UK Government to ensure that Scotland is fully involved in all decision-making with regard to negotiations with the EU, including in relation to all matters affecting fundamental rights; condemns the refusal of the UK Government to provide non-UK EU citizens resident in Scotland with an immediate and unequivocal guarantee of future security and fair treatment, and resolves to defend not only the common values on which the EU and the Council of Europe are founded, but to act to the full extent of its powers to ensure that the rights and interests of all of the people of Scotland are safeguarded and protected. Douglas Ross S5M-03297.2 As an amendment to motion S5M- 03297 in the name of Angela Constance (Scotland’s Place in the European Union - Protecting and Promoting Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms), leave out from "and the rule of law" to end and insert ", individual responsibility and the rule of law as common values shared by all progressive nations; acknowledges that the EU is founded on these same fundamental values, which are of universal importance and transcend national borders; notes that membership of the EU and participation in the European Convention on Human Rights are distinct; commends the UK Government for its numerous assurances that workers’ rights will be safeguarded and strengthened; emphasises that civil, political, economic, social and cultural human rights are universal, inalienable and inviolable, and are simultaneously indivisible, interrelated and interdependent; notes that the UK Government has been clear that all devolved administrations will be closely engaged throughout the negotiation process; urges the UK and EU governments to reach a reciprocal agreement ensuring that mutual assurances are given for EU and UK nationals’ right to remain where they are currently resident, and resolves to defend universal human rights."