Cameron's franchise block for EU referendum smacks of divisive, ethnic nationalism

The truth is that Labour are left with a sole MP because they became ashamed to stand up for the values they used to profess: solidarity, compassion, human rights and human dignity. "I never left Labour, Labour left me" must have been the most widely heard phrase of this campaign. Instead, it's the SNP who have most convincingly argued against the welfare cuts that are pushing tens of thousands more people into poverty. Unlike the Labour party, Nicola Sturgeon didn't wait six months to decide whether the Bedroom Tax was a good or bad idea. It's the SNP who have stood up for the proper funding of our public services and against the privatisation of the NHS. And it's the SNP who are defending the Human Rights Act, under attack from the Tories.

The coming EU referendum and the debate on the franchise is a good example of why Westminster needs a strong SNP. My Italian grandparents lived in Scotland for almost 50 years. They opened businesses, created hundreds of jobs, they paid tax, and were proud of their mixed Scottish-Italian identity. They never became UK citizens but after five decades they were no less Scottish than anyone else. The idea that they or any EU national should be denied a vote in a referendum that would have a direct impact on their lives - purely based on where they're from - smacks of divisive, ethnic nationalism. Just imagine if the SNP had denied English nationals from voting in last year's referendum. I had the privilege at Yes Scotland of working with groups like Polish for Yes, Scots-Asians for Yes and many others, to ensure we built the most inclusive campaign in Scotland's history. Why can't Westminster learn from the success of that open process?

It certainly puts things in perspective. Who, exactly, are the "nationalists" here? And who but the SNP and its allies like Plaid Cymru and the Green Party are willing to fight for these progressive values in Westminster when the referendum Bill comes through parliament? Labour's Andy Burnham has wasted no time targeting migrants in his leadership bid. That kind of divisive politics doesn't tackle Ukip; it helps them grow. Scotland, and indeed the UK as a whole, cannot wait for Labour to stop tearing themselves apart. As the Prime Minister seeks to bring forward the referendum, Westminster needs strong opposition and alternative ideas.

No one knows which specific laws the UK Government will seek to repatriate from Brussels. But consider the kind of scaled back Europe the newly empowered Tories want: free of social protections and trade union laws, with lax or non-existent environmental safeguards, limited co-operation on cross-border crime, little oversight of the City of London and bankers' bonuses and, most importantly, limits on the free movement of people. Is that the kind of Europe that those on the left will be inspired to vote for? A Europe of multinationals and markets as opposed to one of social rights and opportunity?

We need to avoid a scenario where the choice is between David Cameron's vision of Europe and no Europe at all. That's why the SNP have such a crucial role in scrutinising the negotiation process in the Commons and keeping the public debate on Europe in line with common sense.

Yes, Mr Cameron has a mandate for his referendum, but Nicola Sturgeon likewise has a mandate to ensure Scotland won't be dragged out of Europe against its will. There is no reason why an in-out referendum could not engage, inform and reconnect people with Europe; indeed, I'd relish the opportunity to challenge the EU myths that have accumulated over the past 40 years. But Scotland can't take any chances. Unless the Bill contains a clear guarantee that any of the four nations can veto full withdrawal, the SNP must continue to oppose the referendum. Surely this is a perfect opportunity for the Prime Minister to demonstrate his "respect agenda". After all, we are a family of nations, aren't we?