Scotland in Europe post-brexit is the subject of a major seminar with a host of experts. It’s not to be missed, says Ronnie Clancy
There continues to be enormous public interest in the constitutional future of Scotland. As the United Kingdom heads out of the EU, the Brexit aftershocks are rattling the walls of the other Union.whether (and if so, on what terms), an independent Scotland could accede to membership of theeuarequestionsattheheartofthe debate on Scotland’s future. They are likelytoloomlargeinthe2021scottish Parliament election. They will dominate the campaigns in any Indyref2.
Going by the 2016 Brexit referendum, there is a great deal of goodwill towards the EU in Scotland. Many people north of the Border feel they have been stung by Brexit. That sentiment might diminish if the UK and the EU conclude a settlement (a softer Brexit) which appeases the worst fears of those who voted remain.
The opposite might transpire if we end up with no deal or with a hard Brexit. Then there are those who voted for Scottish independence and for Brexit. Would they feel differently about independence if it brought about a return to the EU?
For many, the result of the 2014 independence referendum remains sacrosanct. It settled the issue for a generation at least. For others, the subsequent Brexit vote is a game-changer; the 2014 result can legitimately be re-visited because the relationship between Scotland and the EU has been turned on its head. In 2014, a vote against independence kept Scotland in the EU as part of the UK. A vote for independencewouldhavetakenscotland out of both Unions, albeit with the possibility of a return to the EU as anindependentnation.formanyothers,thechoiceisnotsoclear.ifyouare in that cohort, how well-informed are you about the key questions? Do you know the rules which would govern an EU accession application by Scotland? What about timescales? Are you au fait with current attitudes to a Scottish accession in Brussels and in other European capitals? Do you know what conditions would apply toascottishapplication?howareyou on budget deficits, euro convergence criteria and border issues? Who or what is l’acquis?
How could you responsibly cast your vote in any Indyref 2 if you are not up to speed? How could there be a valid referendum when these important questions are never answered except in partisan political soundbites? Is the door closed on the possibility of differential arrangements for Scotland inside both Unions?
Help is at hand. The Faculty of Advocates is hosting a major seminar: SCOTLAND IN EUROPE POSTBREXIT.
The Faculty of Advocates is, of course, politically neutral. It does not take sides in the independence debate or on whether there should be a second referendum. The object of this exercise is to inform public opinion on these issues, not to mould or sway it. There will be contributions from distinguished experts and the chance to question them from the floor.
The rules and procedures on EU accession will be examined. We will delve into the requirements for adherence to political, economic and monetary union. We will scrutinise the economic and fiscal consequences of EU accession. We will look at current political attitudes to a Scottish accession within the EU institutions and in member states. We will also examine the effects of EU membership on the future relationship between an independent Scotland and the remainder of the UK.