Kezia Dugdale: Labour should make a distinct case for staying in the EU

Today Kezia Dugdale is calling for Labour to make a distinct case for staying in the EU.

Dugdale is standing to replace current leader Jim Murphy, who announced he would be standing down from the position last month. The other candidate in the race so far is MSP Ken Macintosh.

Dugdale, who is currently Deputy Leader of Scottish Labour, has argued that Labour should be willing to work with other parties who want Britain to stay in the EU. But she said “there must be a distinct Labour case in the EU referendum” because “only Labour can make the genuine case for social solidarity across Europe.”

This announcement comes as Labour’s two Scottish MEPs have revealed that they’re backing Dugdale to be leader. She has already secured the support of more half of the Scottish Labour’s MSPs, as well as Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray MP.

Catherine Stihler MEP explained why she was backing Dugdale:

“Kezia represents a new generation in Scottish Labour. She has the energy and the ideas to transform our party and our country, without any of the baggage of the past.

“The EU referendum is a chance for Scottish Labour to be front and centre of a positive, outward looking campaign about Scotland and the UK’s place in the world. Kezia Dugdale is the right person to lead our campaign for a Yes vote.”

David Martin MEP also gave his reasoning, explaining:

“I am delighted that Kezia is making a strong and positive case on the benefits of EU membership. Kezia knows that Europe is our future. Jobs, social protection and the environment all require us to be active participants in the EU”