Scottish leader tells EU ‘we hope to join you again’

Published January 3, 2021
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday told the European Union  “we hope to join you again soon” as an independent nation following Britain’s full departure from the bloc. — File photo
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday told the European Union “we hope to join you again soon” as an independent nation following Britain’s full departure from the bloc. — File photo

LONDON: Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Saturday told the European Union “we hope to join you again soon” as an independent nation following Britain’s full departure from the bloc.

“As an independent member of the European Union, Scotland would be a partner and a bridge-builder,” she wrote on her party’s website.

A comfortable majority of Scots voted to remain in the European Union during the 2016 Brexit referendum, giving fresh impetus to the movement pushing for Scotland to leave the United Kingdom.

After losing the 2014 independence vote, Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Sturgeon is spearheading the push for another referendum and hopes to rejoin the EU should she fulfil her dream.

“More and more people in Scotland believe our aspirations can best be met by continuing to contribute to the shared endeavour and solidarity that the EU represents,” she wrote.

“Because of Brexit, we can now only do this as an independent member state in our own right.

“We didn’t want to leave and we hope to join you again soon as an equal partner,” she added.

Recent polls have shown consistent support for independence, with the coronavirus outbreak further driving a wedge between the devolved governments and London.

But readmission to the EU would not be a formality, with Scotland running a heavy annual fiscal deficit. Sturgeon would also have to rely on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreeing to a referendum in the first place.

He has ruled out such a vote, but the SNP will likely claim a mandate and heap pressure on Johnson should the party perform well in upcoming local elections.

Despite calling it a once in a generation vote in 2014, Sturgeon argues that the Brexit vote and Britain’s full departure from the bloc’s single market and customs union have changed the game.

“We are now faced with a hard Brexit against our will, at the worst possible time in the middle of a pandemic and economic recession,” she said on Saturday.

“For too long, successive UK governments have taken Scotland in the wrong direction, culminating in Brexit.

“It’s no wonder so many people in Scotland have had enough,” she added.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

AN IMF mission is in Islamabad for unusual, early talks with the Pakistani authorities as the lender seems worried...
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

BARA tehsil, a region typically known for its security challenges and socioeconomic problems, can now boast the...
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....