Scotland’s ‘best future’ lies back in the EU

Scotland’s “best future” lies with independence and being back in the European Union, foreign affairs secretary Angus Robertson has said.

Robertson, who was speaking to mark Europe Day, said the “current global economic volatility” reinforced the need for the “security and stability” that would come from being a member of the EU.

This week the UK Government concluded trade deals with India and the United States, leading to President Donald Trump removing the 25 per cent tariff on UK steel and aluminium imports.

However there are concerns about plans to import more US beef which has traditionally been limited due to worries over added growth hormones.

Robertson said: “On Europe Day we celebrate a lifetime of peace in Europe, achieved in no small part by the creation of the European Union. With war having again returned to our continent, now is the time to stand together and heal the divisions of the past.

“We are unwavering in our belief that Scotland’s best future lies as an independent country within the European Union. The current global economic volatility simply reinforces the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that comes with EU membership. Without it, Scotland and the UK risk being marooned outside of the world’s largest single market. 

“Being part of the EU would reduce barriers to trade, free flows of data and reduce bureaucracy. We would have access to a larger labour market with no restrictions on employing EU citizens to work in Scotland, sustaining businesses, universities, communities and public services.”

Earlier this week, a Survation poll found Scots remain almost evenly split on the question of independence, with 49 per cent in favour and 51 against.

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater said: “As a self-governing country, we could reconnect with Europe to build strong ties again.

“With the creep of fascism around the world, serious climate breakdown and the UK’s political landscape changing, the case for Scotland to reconnect with the EU grows stronger every day.”