Time to move on?

The Scotsman’s Brexit Explained supplement (25 October) was a welcome compilation of information and opinions, and helpful in seriously attempting to rationalise the trade arguments around Brexit. While David Martin and Bill Jamieson have well considered but different perspectives on Brexit, it would increasingly appear that if it does indeed proceed, with or without a “Peoples’ Vote”, the way forward for Scotland is either to have a “differentiated Brexit deal” with full access to the EU Single Market and the Customs Union or for Scotland to forge its own trading path in Europe and the world through self-determination.

Of course, there are some Brexit supporters advocating an“openborderstradepolicy” but hypocritically claiming that should Scotland choose independence then “exports” to RUK (£45.8 billion in 2016 with £25.5bn of these “goods exports”, which, as noted by Bill Jamieson, have continued to grow recently but not as fast as goods exports to the EU and beyond) would be greatly reduced. This argument is presumably predicated on our closest ally for over 300 years introducing punitive tariffs specifically to exact vengeance on their historical friend and neighbour for having the audacity to wish to govern itself.

While I would view such an outcome as highly unlikely, perhaps those who have genuine concerns in this regard should question whether the “Union of Equals” (as represented by Theresa May) has

already reached its expiry date andconsiderwhetheritisnow time for Scotland to move on?

STAN GRODYNSKI

Gosford Rd Longniddry, East Lothian