Scotland's international links are strong – and growing

Standing as a member of the international community in our own right, Scotland can play a constructive role within institutions, partnerships and alliances, utilising our unique geography, strengths and talents to help tackle global challenges.

Whilst ultimately the independence question will be resolved by those living in Scotland, the international dimension remains a crucial part of the discussion. Questions on our national defence and our membership of the European Union weighed heavily in the minds of the electorate in the 2014 referendum.

Our steadfast commitment to return to the EU, as well as Nato membership (the value of which is more than emphasised by recent events) will be front and centre during the current independence campaign.

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Equally, we did not engage as much with our international friends and allies as much as we could have. In failing to engage with our neighbours and those whom we aspire to become partners with, we allowed the No campaign too much space to dominate the narrative.

Brexit offered us a second-chance to make a fresh impression. As readers will know, this is why your foreign affairs team at Westminster have been engaged in Project No Surprises. And it’s paying dividends.

We have strong engagement with the embassies in London and the consulates in Scotland. I recently had the pleasure of meeting the new Portuguese ambassador, Nuno Brito, whilst our Europe spokesperson Dr Philippa Whitford and I also met with the new German ambassador, Miguel Berger. At the end of June, Philippa and I returned to Brussels for a series of excellent meetings with MEPs and diplomats.

We make clear in those meetings that we don’t expect them to get involved in our domestic discussions, but we do want our friends and colleagues in Europe to be informed of what is happening in Scotland and what this means for them. Such openness and willingness to engage is warmly received – particularly as the UK remains intransigent in its Brexiteering denial of reality.

The Scottish Government has not sat idly by either. Our network of international offices in key locations around the world continue to boost Scotland’s profile and relationships with key partners, with our newest office in Copenhagen opening at a time of crucial Nordic-Scottish cooperation. We’ve provided funding to support Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, as well as providing safe harbour for refugees fleeing the war. Scotland’s Global Affairs Framework was launched just in May, setting out our value-based approach to foreign policy, whilst we look forward with eagerness to the next white paper on Scotland’s international affairs.

In contrast to the UK’s “Global Britain” approach, we’re already demonstrating our mature approach to international relations and interests. As the referendum campaign picks up pace, it’s vital that we do not rest on our laurels and reflect on where our efforts can be enhanced and focused over the coming months.

Members from Young Scots for Independence, the youth wing of the SNP, recently attended a conference in Strasbourg, invited by their German SPD young counterparts. This is the latest in a series of trips, including to Copenhagen, Malmö and Stockholm, aimed at fostering greater understanding of Scotland’s journey and boosting relationships with our neighbours and future allies.

The reception, I’m told, has been extremely positive. The more others learn of Scotland, the more they can sympathise and understand our desire for independence in Europe. For the next generation of politicians, the earlier these links can be built and developed the better we shall all be for it.

Whilst countries maintain interests not friendships, the more insight and debate we can spark across the European continent in Scotland’s journey the better. Our independence will have implications far beyond our shores, whether it be treaty changes, accession negotiations or participation in international organisations. Brexit has deeply damaged the UK’s reputation – but for many, particularly in eastern Europe, there is a concern about what the break-up of the UK might mean for their own security.

It is vital that we listen patiently to their concerns and respond appropriately. They must be able to see Scotland as a reliable partner, fully committed and fully willing to defend shared interests and ideals through good times, and bad.

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Diplomacy is founded upon equal parts circumstance and relationship. Whilst there are still changes pending to our own constitutional circumstances, we can begin to make headway in forging those interpersonal relationships with the elected leaders, diplomats, politicians and civic society of our future friends and allies.

I’d warmly encourage fellow Yessers to engage positively, constructively and openly with our European counterparts – indeed, the party should offer its support where it can. “Pints and politics”, as the YSI saying goes, does indeed go a long way in establishing the necessary relationships we’ll need post-independence, and so much of foreign policy and world history has been based on nothing more than a chance encounter in good company.

There exist hugely pressing issues in the world: climate change, the cost-of-living crisis, war in Europe. Our independence movement should never forget the influence we can all have on how we, and Scotland, are seen in the world. Every interaction, online or not, may be someone’s first exposure to our national question. We must ensure our debate, virtually and in-person, remains calm, informative, welcoming and respectful, and continues to encourage good natured questions and healthy dialogue.

We’ll always be a country with deep roots in the wider world. As with the movement as a whole, we stand on the shoulders of giants – and we’ve a responsibility to steward that international reputation with due attention, care and respect. Scotland stands ready to play our full part, to work in concert with the international community and put our shoulders to the wheel.