Scotland’s First Ministers issue joint EU referendum statement

Scotland’s last five First Ministers have released a joint statement urging voters to back remaining in the EU.

The call comes on the last day of campaigning before the UK goes to the polls on the issue on Thursday.

Serving First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined her predecessors Alex Salmond, Jack McConnell and Henry McLeish to call for a Remain vote.

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Liberal Democrat Jim Wallace, who was interim First Minister after the death of Donald Dewar, also signed the statement.

In an “unprecedented display of unity,” the First Ministers said the EU was “vital” for jobs in Scotland.

“We must vote to keep our EU rights, and by maximising the Remain vote in Scotland we could make the difference in keeping the UK in the EU.

“Our message to the people of Scotland is to unite as a nation, turn out on Thursday and vote Remain,” they said.

Former Labour MP Tom Harris, who heads up the Vote Leave campaign in Scotland, accused the Remain campaign of wanting a “European superstate”.

“This opportunity is fantastic for Scotland. An opportunity to create a global Scotland with global ambitions. It’s an opportunity to finally take back control over our borders and create a fair immigration system for all,” he said.