German MEP backs Scotland’s place in EU
SCOTLAND’S entry to the European Union could be encouraged after independence, a German Euro MP said.
Elmar Brok made the claim as he admitted Brexit has softened attitudes.
It comes just days after Spain made clear it will not veto any EU application from an independent Scotland.
Brok is a former chairman of the European Parliament foreign affairs committee and a member of German chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling party.
He said: “Scotland has our sympathy” after the vote to Remain was cancelled out by larger Leave votes in England.
He added: “If there is a possibility that the UK breaks – which we do not hope – then I think we should have a positive relationship with Scotland to find solutions.
“We would like to have Britain as a whole in the EU. If parts would come, I would be the last one who would be against it.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold another referendum between autumn next year and spring 2019.
Prime Minister Theresa May does not want to be drawn in, repeating “now is not the time” whenever the subject comes up.
MP Stephen Gethins, the SNP’s Europe spokesman, said: “His comments on Scotland are welcome and he joins a growing list of senior decision-makers from around Europe who are making a common sense case for Scotland.”