Statement from the Leader of Glasgow City Council on the outcome of the EU Referendum

Published: 24 June 2016

Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council, has issued a statement on the outcome of the referendum.

Cllr McAveety said: "We're now in a period of significant uncertainty and many people are rightly concerned.

"Our business community, our residents, our academic institutions and the EU citizens who have chosen to make Glasgow their home are understandably going to be worried about what happens next.

"Businesses in particular do not react well to instability and Glasgow City Council will be doing everything it can to bring stability to the market.

"Glasgow has always been proud to be a cosmopolitan city and I want to send a message to the thousands of EU citizens who live here that we value the contribution they make and that they will always be welcome in our city.

"There was cross-party consensus in the council that a vote to leave the EU would be bad for the city and Glasgow's voters, and those across Scotland, have overwhelmingly reflected that opinion.

"But a democratic decision has been made and we need to accept that.

"Our job now is to negotiate the best deal for Glasgow.

"The First Minister and I share a common interest: we want what's best for our country and for Glasgow to flourish.

"The fundamental issue is about jobs, pensions and economic security. What's important is stability and I am willing to explore all the options that are available, but the introduction by the First Minister of the prospect of a second Scottish independence referendum at this stage is premature and only brings further uncertainty.

"I will be asking for an urgent meeting with her to discuss how best to stand up for Glasgow and Scotland's other cities in any negotiations that she is involved in and for clarity on her roadmap for a second independence referendum.

"Glasgow is the powerhouse of the Scottish economy and it's crucial that the city has a voice in the EU exit negotiations. Although Britain will be outside the EU, it's vital that we remain part of the single market.

"What's needed right now is cool heads, patience and unity of purpose in standing up for Glasgow."