Warning Over Scotland's Position In The EU

Experts claim a 'yes' vote would mean reapplying to join the European Union.

A vote to leave the UK means Scotland would need to reapply to join the European Union, experts said today.

A report by Business for New Europe warns that if we vote to leave the UK “Scotland would leave the EU, and would have to apply to join under the normal accession procedure - rather than the unprecedented, expedited route suggested by the Scottish Government."

The report claims that it would be “next to impossible” for a separate Scotland to keep our UK budget rebate, and “very difficult” to keep our special zero rate VAT deal on food, children’s clothes and books.

Business for New Europe goes on to say that negotiations over a separate Scotland’s EU membership could drag on until the 2020s, much longer than the SNP's proposed 18 month timetable.

This latest expert assessment comes following confirmation by the Danish Foreign Minister that a separate Scotland would need to reapply to join the EU if we leave the UK. 

Better Together said that as part of the UK we enjoy special deals that benefit Scottish families, which are being put at risk by Alex Salmond’s obsession with separation.

Speaking on behalf of Better Together, Scottish Labour MP Anne McGuire said:

"It's clear beyond doubt now that if we vote to leave the UK then Scotland would need to reapply to join the EU. As part of the UK we get special deals on currency, immigration, our rebate and VAT. These special UK deals all benefit Scottish families, but are being put at risk by Alex Salmond’s obsession with separation.

"The choice facing us in September is clear – believe Alex Salmond or believe the experts. On the one hand we have the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Spain, the Presidents of the European Council and Commission, the Danish Foreign Minister and expert groups like Business for New Europe. On the other hand we have Alex Salmond standing all alone claiming only he is right and everybody else is wrong. It isn’t credible.

"It isn't good enough for the nationalists to continue denying the reality. Instead of sticking his head in the sand, Alex Salmond must be honest with the people of Scotland.

"As part of the UK we can have the best of both worlds - a strong Scottish Parliament, with the guarantee of more powers, backed up by the strength, security and stability of being part of the larger UK. Only separation puts that at risk."

A spokesperson for Yes Scotland said: 

"Scotland has been a full and valued part of the EU for over 40 years and this will remain so after a Yes vote in September. Leading EU expert Graham Avery - Honorary Director General of the European Commission and architect of the applications for 14 countries - confirms that it is entirely realistic for Scotland to negotiate its position as a full member state after a Yes vote and prior to becoming independent in March 2016.
 
"The only threat to Scotlands continued EU membership is a No vote in September followed by Westminster's proposed in/out referendum that could drag us out against our will."