RUTH Davidson will today outline her commitment to Britain remaining in the European Union, saying membership is vital to Scottish business and jobs.

The Scottish Conservative leader, who is making a major speech in Brussels, will say that the benefits "clearly and categorically" outweigh any disadvantages of being in the EU and draw parallels over the upcoming vote with last year's independence referendum.

The Glasgow MSP, who is targeting a record number of Tory MSPs following next May's Holyrood election, will speak about her own childhood and say the priority of politicians should be to "make it easier for Britain’s makers and sellers and do-ers to get their product onto the market".

Ms Davidson, who will call for a more positive case to be made for EU membership, is expected to say: "This decision isn’t - unlike the Scottish independence referendum - one which affects my sense of self - of who I am. I find the one place is has touched is where I’m from.

"I grew up in a manufacturing household where every plate of food that was put on the table in front of me or my sister was because my dad had made something and sold it abroad. First textiles, then leather goods, then whisky.

"What I want is a better European Union which puts trade and the single market top of its agenda, with a stronger United Kingdom at its heart, showing it is open for business and open to the world.

"To me, the cost benefit analysis is clear. The advantages we gain from EU membership clearly and categorically outweigh any disadvantages that come with it. So for my part, I will be backing our national interest and urging Britain to stay within that reformed EU."

Ms Davidson will also use her speech to attack Labour's position on the EU, which has been thrown into doubt following the election of Jeremy Corbyn. After days of uncertainty, Mr Corbyn has said he could not foresee a situation where Labour would campaign to leave under his leadership, although his commitment to the position has been questioned.

Ms Davidson will say: "We need to make it clear from the outset – this left-wing anti-market position is a risible proposition which doesn't deserve to be taken seriously. And do I hope there are enough sensible people left within the Labour party who now have the courage to speak up against it."

A spokesman for Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said: "The only reason Scotland's EU membership is under threat in the first place is because the Tories have failed to make the positive case for Europe for so long, and have instead allowed themselves to be dragged along by Ukip-driven agenda at Westminster.

"By contrast, the SNP has been unequivocal that being part of the EU - and its single market of over half a billion people - is good for business and supports jobs in Scotland and across the UK.

"Ms Davidson's pledge to make a positive case is welcome, but if she was really serious about protecting Scotland's place in the EU she would back our proposal that the UK could only leave the EU if all four nations of the UK agreed to it."