I will always put Glasgow first

And for generations, a huge part of our identity has been as part of a European family - a relationship that has only grown stronger and more critical to our fortunes since Britain joined the European Union.

So, whenever, the in/out referendum on Britain's membership of the EU is held, the decision will have huge consequences for our city.

There will be no going back after the vote, should the country elect to leave - and it is a decision that will affect the lives of our children and our children's children.

I believe that British membership of the EU makes Scotland a stronger, more secure and more influential country and Glasgow a better connected, more prosperous and successful city.

As Leader of Glasgow I will always put the interests of Glaswegians first.

I am proud of what we have achieved in recent years and we can't allow that to be jeopardised.

That is why I am ready to work with pro-European campaigns to ensure the future of this union.

Nicola Sturgeon is absolutely right when she says that by pandering to the obsessive demands for a referendum from the likes of Nigel Farage, David Cameron has invited instability and uncertainty across every part of the UK.

Our local and national economy is inextricably linked to international markets - and staying within the EU Single Market allows us to attract the investment and jobs we need, while giving us greater clout when trading beyond our borders.

Although we may never see it, working with our European partners against crime and terrorism makes our streets safer.

And, perhaps most importantly, on a continent that has too-often been scarred by war, we can all play our part in a happier, peaceful and more tolerant Europe.

These are all bigger, bolder and more progressive ideas and values than the narrow, insular and risky agendas of separation and isolation.

I spend most of my working life promoting our city.

This includes trying to attract and retain jobs and investment in the city.

Not one single employer has ever said to me - if you leave Europe, we'll come to Glasgow.

The very real risk is that they will choose to locate or invest elsewhere if we slam shut the door to markets in Europe.

And as a city that is attracting just about every European sports event, how could we possibly be better off if we turned our back on the continent.

So, the stakes for Glasgow could not be much higher.

We cannot sit back and watch jobs put at risk.

I hope Glasgow says Yes to Europe. Our economy and society is stronger as part of this union of nations.

IT HAS been a real pleasure to be able to start giving people a bit more detail about what the £1.3billion City Deal for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley will deliver in the years ahead.

In Glasgow alone, we will invest £400m in regeneration projects in the city centre; in Sighthill and the canal area; in Collegelands, Calton and the Barras; on the Clyde waterfront and the West End; and across the city we'll improve drainage to protect homes and businesses from flooding.

We will build a new bridge between Govan and Partick; establish business space in the Merchant City for new, high-growth companies; and will create better walking and cycling routes north and south of the river.

Above all, our city deal will create thousands of jobs for Glaswegians, and support into work those who are furthest from the jobs market.

Glasgow's economy is more diverse than ever.

We don't depend on one type of job nor over-rely on major employers.

For example, we have a growing financial services sector, we're the renewables capital of Scotland, and tourism employs more people than ever worked in the shipyards in my lifetime.

Our city deal builds on recent successes and will take our economy to a new level.