Scotland could remain in UK and EU, claims First Minister
‘Opportunity to think things that were unthinkable’
NICOLA Sturgeon has insisted that Scotland may be able to remain in both the UK and the EU, as a fresh row over currency options should she call a fresh vote on independence was reignited.
The First Minister said that the Brexit result had thrust the country into uncharted territory and that there is now an opportunity to think things that might previously have been unthinkable with regard to Scotland’s status following the UK withdrawal from the 28-nation bloc.
She insisted it might be possible that a solution could be found that would see Scotland remain within the EU, in recognition of the strong Remain vote north of the Border, when the rest of the UK quits. The notion has received little encouragement from senior UK government figures and Ms Sturgeon has continued to talk up the prospect of a fresh independence vote, refusing to rule out calling a new referendum as soon as early next year.
It comes as the SNP ramps up behind the scenes for a new independence campaign, as it emerged that senior MPs are considering recommending ditching the policy of sharing the pound, instead advocating a new currency pegged to sterling.
Prime Minister Theresa May committed during face-to-face talks with Ms Sturgeon last week to listen to proposals put forward by the Scottish government, which has already convened a panel of experts to consider ways in which the country can maintain its ties with Europe.
Asked whether it is feasible for Scotland to remain in both unions, Ms Sturgeon said: “My position is there might be [a way]. When you are in uncharted territory with effectively a blank sheet of paper in front of you, then you have the opportunity to try to think things that might have previously been unthinkable and shape the future.
“I think there are opportunities. We will certainly bring forward options.”
However, the prospect of a so-called reverse-Greenland model — a reference to Denmark being an EU member state while its territory is not — was shot down by Brexit Secretary David Davis.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell has already branded claims that Scotland could obtain a special Brexit deal fanciful.
A string of experts insist independence is by far the simplest option for Scotland to retain its EU status.
It remains highly unlikely that a solution that would see Scotland remaining in the UK and EU, after England, Wales and Northern Ireland leave, would be accepted by the UK government.
It is also inconceivable that Ms Sturgeon, as leader of the SNP, would argue that Scotland’s best interest is served by remaining in the UK rather than independence, even if she could secure such an offer.
Ms May said last week that she wants to achieve UK-wide agreement before triggering Article 50 — the formal process that will see the UK leave the EU within two years — a concession Ms Sturgeon claimed put her in a very strong position.
However, UK government insiders have been quick to deny this meant Ms Sturgeon had been handed a veto over Brexit.
Mr Davis said he did not want to see internal borders created within the UK, a possible consequence of Scotland remaining in both unions, and suggested Article 50 may be triggered early next year.
He said: “They cannot have a veto because there are 17.5 million people who have given us a mandate, they have told us what to do, we cannot disobey it. But what we can do is to try to do what we can to minimise any disruption or turbulence or problems.”
Responding to reports that the SNP is preparing to ditch its policy of maintaining the pound in the event that Scotland leaves the UK, the Scottish Conservatives accused Ms Sturgeon of attempting to use Brexit to push through independence, no matter the cost.
Murdo Fraser, the party’s finance spokesman, said: “At a time when Scottish families and firms need calm and certainty, the SNP’s response is to snatch the pound from your pocket. It is utterly irresponsible.”
‘‘ When you are in uncharted territory with a blank sheet of paper...I think there are opportunities