A Westminster inquiry considering the impact of a Yes vote in the upcoming independence referendum on future foreign policy has been announced.
The Foreign Affairs Committee will explore the extent to which a split could influence international standing of both the UK and a separate Scotland, including membership of major international bodies, from this autumn.
The announcement comes in the same week as Scottish National Party (SNP) defence spokesman, Angus Robertson, unveiled plans to call on party members to drop a long-standing opposition to NATO.
The resolution, which will be put before delegates at the party’s October conference in Perth, suggests Scotland will “inherit its treaty obligations” with the alliance should the electorate back a break-up of the UK, with membership premised on the withdrawal of Trident from Scottish shores.
Issues the committee are to consider will include membership of bodies such as the United Nations and the European Union over and above relations with key allies including the United States.
The fate of the Foreign and Commonwealth office should Scottish separation be realised will also come under scrutiny amid questions over future efforts to promote UK business abroad and the provision of consular support to British nationals when outside the country.
Views on factors that could influence the shape and scope of a separate Scottish foreign policy are also being sought.
Individuals have been invited to submit written evidence to the committee, which includes Scottish MPs Sir Menzies Campbell and Frank Roy, by the end of September ahead of the inquiry getting underway.
Alan Robertson
A graduate in Politics and Journalism from the University of Strathclyde, Alan joined the Holyrood team as a reporter in May 2012 fresh from finishing his studies. Alan spent four years in student media, the last of which helping to launch the award-winning Glasgow Journal as Managing Editor, and continues to work part-time as a sub-editor in sport for the Sunday...