A cross-party group of MEPs will travel to Westminster today to press the case for Scotland not to take a reduction in numbers from seven to six.

All seven current MEPs believe the cut, caused by the accession of Romania and Bulgaria, is unfair and the group will meet Bridget Prentice, deputy to Justice Secretary Jack Straw, to try to avert the reduction.

Alyn Smith of the SNP said: "This is about Scotland having as effective a voice in the EU as possible, not least at a time when the UK Government representing Scotland on issues like agriculture, energy, fisheries is just not working in Scotland's interests."

He said the cut based on population was "iniquitous", given Scotland represents one-third of the UK land mass, most of the coastline, and vast majority of the islands, with a distinct identity, legal system, and government.

"I hope the minister will be persuaded that Scotland's civic society, political parties and government are united in our desire to retain the seven seats," he added.