JOHN Swinney has urged the UK Government to work towards returning to the EU as swiftly as possible.
Speaking ahead of a Scottish Government debate on EU relations on Tuesday, the First Minister said that the best future for Scotland lies within the EU.
Swinney said: “Scotland's future success depends on returning to EU membership as an independent nation.
"As a European partner, our economic prosperity, energy security, cultural connections and opportunities for young people are strengthened when we work closely with other countries, in an equal partnership, across Europe."
Swinney pointed towards analysis from the Office for Budget Responsibility which suggests that the UK's GDP will be 4% lower in the long run because of Brexit.
This equates to £3 billion in lost public revenues for Scotland every year, equivalent to more than £9 million a day.
"This damage cannot be fully addressed through incremental changes alone," the First Minister warned.
Swinney added: "I urge the UK Government to be bold and recognise the benefits of European Union membership and to work towards returning to the EU as swiftly as possible.
"Ultimately, Scotland's place is in Europe, and the best future for our country is as an independent member of the European Union.”
It comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham signalled he could "go all the way" and look at rejoining the EU as he considers the UK's future relationship with Brussels.
The Prime Minister, who has blamed Brexit for a decade of drift and division, said he would look at the “pros and cons” of all options.
In his first Labour Party conference speech as leader, the Prime Minister said Brexit had done “more harm than good” and promised to set out the options around the time of a UK-EU summit later this year.
In the 2016 Brexit referendum, Scotland voted 62% for remain, and 38% for leave.
There was a majority for remain in all 32 of Scotland’s local authority areas.
