Sturgeon unveils plan for keeping ties with Europe
First Minister challenges May to reject offer of compromise
NICOLA Sturgeon has proudly proclaimed her commitment to making Scotland an independent European state – but has offered Theresa May a “compromise” that she has challenged the Prime Minister to defy.
The First Minister unveiled her long-awaited plan to maintain Scotland’s relationship with Europe – a 50-page, 26,000-word blueprint charting Scotland’s course through the turbulent Brexit process.
It presents three options; convince the UK to stay in the single market; keep Scotland in the single market even if the UK leaves; or a second independence referendum.
It also contains a three-pronged petition for more powers if Scotland remains in the UK – the retention of powers regulated by Brussels and administered by Holyrood such as fishing and farming; additional powers regulated by Brussels and administered by Westminster such as employment law; and other powers administered by Westminster which the SNP deems vital to Scotland’s interests in the new constitutional order such as immigration.
While presenting the options, Ms Sturgeon appears to have all but given up on convincing the UK to stay in the single market.
“I, albeit reluctantly, accept that as things stand, given the rhetoric of the Conservative government, that, at this stage seems an unlikely outcome,” she said at the launch of the paper in Bute House in Edinburgh.
She added: “The UK, we assume, will not be in EU, certainly we know that, but not in the single market or the customs union either.”
That essentially leaves two options – a differential arrangement that keeps Scotland in the single market and attached to the UK or a second independence referendum.
But shortly after Ms Sturgeon published her paper, Ms May appeared to rule out both options.
“I don’t think it is right to accept differential relationships,” she said.
She added: ”I don’t think there is a need or a reason for the Scottish Government to hold another independence referendum.”
In her foreword to the Brexit paper, Ms Sturgeon said “there is no question about the legitimacy” of her mandate for a second referendum.
“As leader of a party that supports independence it is my belief that an independent Scotland is the best way to secure a more prosperous and equal country,” she said.
“However, the focus of this paper – in line with the clear commitment I gave in the aftermath of the EU Referendum – is to explore if we can find common ground with the UK Government around a solution that would protect Scotland’s place in the European Single Market from within the UK.”
While setting out a stall for independence is not the stated purpose of the Brexit paper, it is a common theme running through the text.
Sturgeon said: “There are various ways in which Scotland’s place in the European Single Market could be maintained. One option – in my view, the best option – is to become a full member of the EU as an independent country.
“Indeed, independence would resolve the fundamental cause of the position Scotland currently finds itself in.”
Sturgeon also warned Mrs May that her reaction to the Scottish Government’s paper could define her relationship with Scotland in the years to come.
“To the Westminster Government I say this: your response to these proposals will tell us much, perhaps everything, about whether the UK is in reality the partnership of equals you claim it to be.
“To our European partners I today reaffirm our belief in and commitment to the core values of solidarity, cooperation and democracy that underpin the European Union.
“And to the people of Scotland I pledge this: I will continue to do everything I can to protect your interests as we navigate the challenging times ahead.”