The Scottish Government’s seventh paper in its series on independence policy issues looks at the case for (re)joining the European Union. To help EMiS members and others understand these issues – whether you’re pro-indy or not – here are some extracts from the 80-page paper:
Joining the EU as an independent nation offers Scotland the chance to regain what has been
lost because of Brexit and what devolution cannot deliver. For the first time, Scotland would be
at the table advancing Scotland’s interests directly in the EU. An independent Scotland would
contribute positively to the EU and its member states.
Scotland, the UK and EU
The historic nation of Scotland entered into a voluntary political union with the nation of England in 1707. Within that union, Scotland has always retained distinctive national institutions and systems.
The UK Parliament retains control of macroeconomic policy, foreign policy and defence, and most social security and taxation powers.
Devolution and the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament has demonstrated the advantages of self-government for Scotland. In 2014 people in Scotland voted in a referendum on whether or not to become independent. This followed a campaign in which commitments were made by those arguing against independence that voting ‘No’ was the only way to secure Scotland’s place in the EU.
Scotland shares the EU’s founding principles and core values – based on human dignity, equality, rule of law, freedom, democracy and human rights. This was made clear when the people of Scotland voted decisively to remain in the EU in 2016.
Brexit has prompted renewed debate over whether it is better for Scotland to be independent
and inside the EU as a member state in our own right.
The paper presents evidence that the Westminster government’s decision to pursue a ‘hard
Brexit’ has resulted in Scotland losing out economically, socially and culturally. The Westminster
approach to negotiations was characterised by unnecessary friction with the EU and disregard for the views and interests of the people of Scotland.
Scotland has been removed from the single market and the EU’s network of highly favourable
trading relationships across the world. The people of Scotland have lost their right to live, work
and study across the EU.
Scotland is therefore in a unique situation – a country in a voluntary union of nations removed
from the EU and its single market against the wishes of the majority of its people.
EU membership would bring many benefits to Scotland
Evidence shows that EU membership has economic, societal and cultural benefits. It would:
• mean Scotland was part of the world’s largest single market, with free movement of goods,
services, capital and people. This market is seven times the size of the UK so Scottish firms
would be able to trade freely with more businesses and sell to more customers
• provide more and better opportunities for training and employment for people in Scotland.
We could attract and retain people from across the EU to sustain our businesses, world-leading
universities and public services
• create opportunities to foster cultural exchanges and develop research partnerships to
promote the prosperity and wellbeing of our citizens
• place Scotland at the heart of an organisation with global reach. We would work together
with our partners to develop EU policies and collaborate on tackling global challenges such
as climate change
• allow Scotland to regain access to the EU’s law enforcement tools, which help in the fight
against cross-border crime and threats
And as an EU member state an independent Scotland would have direct representation across
EU institutions. This would enable Scotland to contribute to collective decisions which reflect
Scotland’s priorities through democratic and transparent processes.
The paper sets out these and many more benefits of EU membership.
Scotland has much to offer the EU as a member state
Just as the EU has lots to offer Scotland, so Scotland has much to contribute to the EU as a
member state. For example:
• Scotland’s strengths in renewable energy, research, development and innovation could help
the EU develop technologies of the future and contribute to the transition to net zero
• Scotland’s world class colleges and universities would once again welcome Erasmus+ students
from EU countries
• Scotland’s vibrant culture would make an important contribution to a dynamic and forward looking EU
An independent Scotland would be well placed to contribute to the EU’s values. The Scottish
Government is committed to contributing to the shared EU agenda of social justice and the
pursuit of a fairer and greener society.
Read the full paper here
The European Movement in Scotland is committed to promoting the essential European value of free speech. Consequently, we regularly publish articles by leading academics, journalists and others discussing issues germane to Scotland’s place in Europe. Such articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Movement in Scotland.
