WIREDGOV

Independence would give Scotland a seat at Europe’s top table.

The only way to ensure Scotland continues to benefit from European Union membership is through independence, External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said yesterday.

Ms Hyslop warned a future UK Government could take the UK out of the EU, against the democratic will of the people of Scotland, causing irreparable damage to Scotland’s growth and prosperity.

Speaking at the European and External Relations Committee’s Annual debate on EU priorities at the Scottish Parliament, Ms Hyslop set out the benefits for Scotland of EU membership and outlined the ways an independent Scotland could contribute to the agenda for reform within the existing framework of the EU treaties.

The Cabinet Secretary also announced the publication of the Scottish Government’s response to the latest stage of the UK Government’s Review of the Balance of Competences between the UK and the EU, an examination of how the EU affects everyday life.

Speaking before yesterday’s debate, Ms Hyslop said:

"It’s clear that Scotland benefits enormously from our membership of the EU in every area of life – from trade and jobs to health.

"But the EU also benefits hugely from having Scotland as part of it – and it is simply not credible to suggest that an independent Scotland, which has been part of the EU for 40 years and already meets all membership requirements, would not be warmly welcomed.

“Our membership of the European Union must continue – but the Prime Minister has made it clear that there is a real possibility of Scotland being removed from the EU by a future UK Government.

“Scotland has been an integral part of the EU for four decades. But the best way – indeed the only way – to secure Scotland’s future in Europe and strengthen our influence is through independence. Only independence will allow Scotland to take its place as a full member state within the European Union with a seat at the top table for the first time.

“An independent Scotland would not be at risk of being removed from the EU against its wishes by a future UK Government. A retrenchment of power to Westminster or possible exit from the EU would cause significant damage to Scotland’s growth and prosperity.

“We acknowledge that the EU is not perfect but the Scottish Government believes we can contribute to the reform of EU law and policy within the existing EU treaty framework. There is no need to renegotiate the treaties, nor hold an in-out referendum on EU membership .

“Negotiations on the specific terms of Scotland’s continued membership of the EU would take place in the time between the referendum and independence day in 2016. This position has been backed by Sir David Edward, formerly the British judge at the Court of Justice of the EU, and other experts. The UK Government’s own expert says the Scottish Government’s estimate of the time it will take to complete the process is ‘realistic’.”