Nicola Sturgeon has demanded a say on David Cameron's EU renegotiation ahead of the in/out referendum

Nicola Sturgeon has demanded a say on David Cameron's EU renegotiation ahead of the upcoming in/out referendum.

The SNP leader said Scotland 'cannot be kept in the dark' on the Prime Minister's reform plan - and warned he was jeopardising Britain's place in Europe.

Ms Sturgeon will issue the warning at an Anglo-Irish summit in Dublin today, attended by leading figures from the UK, Scottish, Welsh and Irish governments.

The SNP chief said: 'The EU referendum will see a decision that will affect every part of these islands and the UK Government cannot ignore the devolved administrations when it comes to its negotiating stance.

'The Prime Minister has made clear he is intent on securing a significant renegotiation of the UK's terms of European membership and he is already conducting negotiations which he says may require treaty change.'

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish government did not support the renegotiation because it 'jeopardises our place in Europe'.

But she added: 'Now that it is taking place, it is absolutely essential that Scotland's voice, and those of the other devolved administrations, is heard to ensure our interests are acknowledged - we cannot be kept in the dark.

'That is why I am today calling for a forum to be identified which gives the devolved governments a direct input to the negotiations to ensure that our priorities are listened to and our vital interests are protected.'

She added: 'It is also vital that the talks being led by David Cameron do not result in trade-offs or deals which threaten the many benefits which the EU delivers to Scotland.'

Downing Street last night insisted it would 'work with an listen' to Ms Sturgeon – but refused to offer her a formal place in the renegotiation.

A spokesman said: 'The Government's objective is to renegotiate the UK's relationship with the EU and to address people's concerns, and then making the case for the UK stay in the EU on a reformed basis.

'Of course we will continue to work with and listen to the Devolved Administrations on a whole range of issues.'

Ms Sturgeon's demand comes as Mr Cameron continues to face opposition among European leaders over his plans to restrict benefits to migrants.

The president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz last night claimed the Prime Minister's mission to get powers back from ‎Europe was driven by 'hatred' and 'lies'.

‎‎Just hours after meeting the PM in Downing Street, Mr Schulz said British politicians are feeding on 'national resentment' and the 'scapegoating' of Romanians and Bulgarians.

‎The pair held a breakfast session in Downing Street as part of Mr Cameron's campaign to renegotiate Britain's relationship with the EU ahead of a referendum by the end of 2017.

The Prime Minister (pictured in Slovenia yesterday in the latest round of his diplomatic push) has been warned that Scotland 'cannot be kept in the dark' on his plans

The prime minister‎ has made restricting EU migrants' access to British welfare payments a key part of that effort.

But his plan received a significant setback last night when Mr Schulz said: 'There are attempts by people in Europe and also in this country to create new barriers between countries.

'Stirring a feeling of panic over so-called benefit tourists from Romania and Bulgaria wanting to plunder the social systems of the host countries.' The German socialist added: 'Outright lies are told.

'What makes me sad and angry in all this debate is the undertone of national resentment. Hatred is spread. People are used as scapegoats.'

‎He poured cold water on Mr Cameron's plans for renegotiation, saying changes in the relationship between Britain and the EU were not 'possible'.

Mr Schulz said Britain 'belongs' to the EU and said there was no prospect of treaty change to rule out 'ever closer union' because of near-unanimous opposition in European capitals.