THE Scottish Government should create a post-Brexit strategy for Scotland’s European and international relations, according to a new report.
Titled Scotland’s Global Standpoint, the report analyses the state of debate on EU and foreign affairs in Scotland.
Published by European Merchants, the Scottish political analysis firm, the report is authored by foreign policy expert, Anthony Salamone, who wrote Scotland’s EU blueprint on rejoining the bloc as an independent member.
The report says that the Scottish Government lacks sufficient strategy in foreign policy, cross-party consensus has broken down, and EU and international engagement has become conflated with the independence debate.
READ MORE: Does Nicola Sturgeon's timetable for indyref2 stand up to scrutiny?
Salamone states that, in Scottish politics, EU and foreign affairs have become polarised around independence. He claims that supporters of independence increasingly back any Scottish Government action in this area, regardless of purpose or outcomes. Opponents of independence denounce any such Scottish Government action, even if it directly relates to Holyrood’s responsibilities.
Salamone argues that the Scottish Government should use its upcoming Global Affairs Framework, announced in the Programme for Government, to establish a long-term post-Brexit strategy for Scotland’s European and international relations. He says that since Brexit is now over, the Scottish Government’s anti-Brexit message is no longer relevant.
He also says the new strategy should focus on practical cooperation with European and global partners, avoid constitutional issues, promote cross-party engagement and seek co-operation with the UK Government.
Salamone says Scotland will probably remain outside the EU for the rest of this decade.
READ MORE: COP26: What have leaders said about Scottish independence?
He concludes that, if a referendum agreed by the Scottish and UK governments took place in September 2023, and returned a result in favour of independence, and its accession process began in December 2026, Scotland could become an EU member between December 2030 and December 2031.
He says that Scottish Government strategy should assume that Scotland will not be part of the EU through at least 2030. Salamone said: “Whatever the evolution of the independence debate, Scotland will not be a state or part of the EU for the foreseeable future.
“The Scottish Government should use its upcoming Global Affairs Framework to establish a credible and effective strategy for its European and international relations.
“European and foreign affairs are a serious policy field, not a superficial extension of the independence debate.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel