Leaving EU will spark second independence referendum, say SNP
Westminster leader Angus Robertson reaffirms party's position in the Commons.
SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson has warned David Cameron a vote to leave the EU would trigger a second Scottish independence referendum.
Addressing MPs in the Commons, Mr Robertson said the majority of people in Scotland want to remain part of the EU.
He also told the Prime Minister that every single Scottish MP, every MSP and all but one Scottish MEP support remaining in the EU.
Mr Robertson said: "Do you have any idea what the consequences would be of Scotland being taken out of the EU against the wish of the Scottish electorate?
"I want Scotland and the rest of the UK to remain within the European Union. However, if we are forced out of the EU I am certain the public in Scotland will demand a referendum on Scottish independence and we will protect our place in Europe."
Mr Robertson said Scotland is a pro-European country and his party would campaign positively to remain within the EU.
He also warned the PM against using so-called project fear tactics, which the SNP believes were used in the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 to scare voters into remaining in the EU.
In response, Mr Cameron insisted he would make a positive case for remaining in the EU and said the vote was one for the whole of the UK.
Mr Robertson told MPs it is "hugely important to be part of the largest market in the world and be able to influence its rules and laws".
He added: “It really matters that we can cooperate with our shared challenges from the environment and energy security, to workers and citizen’s rights.
“We should also never forget the lessons of European history, and not turn our backs on European neighbours who need help at this time to deal with huge challenges including the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War."
Mr Robertson’s comments reiterated the opinion of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who has said a second Scottish independence referendum will "almost certainly" be demanded if the UK votes to leave the EU but Scotland does not.
In a TV interview, she said many people in Scotland would object to being taken out of the EU "against their will".
Mr Cameron, outlining his deal aimed at keeping Britain in the EU, said the country will continue to be great regardless of the choice made by voters.
He added: "I believe the choice is between being an even greater Britain inside a reformed EU or a great leap into the unknown.
"The challenges facing the west today are genuinely threatening. Putin's aggression in the east, Islamist extremism to the south - in my view, this is no time to divide the west.
"When faced with challenges to our way of life, our values and our freedoms, this is a time for strength in numbers."
Mr Cameron insisted he has "no other agenda other than what's best for our country" as he reaffirmed he will not seek re-election.
He said: "I'm standing here telling you what I think. My responsibility as Prime Minister is to speak plainly about what I believe is right for our country and that is what I'll do every day for the next four months."
Mr Cameron's comment on re-election has been viewed as a thinly veiled swipe at London mayor Boris Johnson who has revealed he plans to campaign for Britain to leave the EU.
He was accused by some of putting personal political ambition ahead of principle in deciding to campaign for EU exit.