Galloway Smashes Scottish Separatists with Stellar Speech in the Spectator

Generali

antrobus wrote: »

So you missed it. It's easily done.:)

"We don’t interfere in other countries’ internal affairs. If Britain’s constitutional order allows – and it seems that it does allow – Scotland to choose independence, we have nothing to say about this."

Spain's position is often misunderstood. They have an issue with Catalonia, which has its own independence movement and is holding a referendum on the issue. (Although it's not constitutionally a referendum because it hasn't been approved by Madrid.) But they don't want Catalonia declaring UDI and then being recognised by the rest of Europe, so they oppose the idea of any country splitting off from another without going through the constitutionally niceties. Which is why they don't recognise Kosovo, but are quite relaxed about the likes of Latvia and Croatia etc.

What they have suggested, is that if Scotland becomes independent it will have to apply to join the EU like everybody else. Which kinda blows up Salmond's Plan A that Scotland would somehow 'inherit' EU membership. Since being the wrong side of the EU tarriff wall would blow up Scotland's economy this suggests that Scotland's hypothetical independence would be delayed until such time as the question of EU membership is decided. Which kinda blows up Salmond's 18 month timetable.

Ah ok. That doesn't read to me the same as 'Scotland will be allowed to join the EU' but I take your point.

I don't see how Scotland could do anything other than join the EU as a new entity. The rules have changed since the UK adopted all those opt outs and I don't see why it would be in anyone's interest to give Scotland a sweetheart deal or, for that matter, a bad deal. If Spain/France/Italy don't want Scotland in then they'll simply block Scotland and use a bunch of implausible reasons (see Turkey).

If they want Scotland and Scotland wants them then the usual terms will apply.

DaveTheMus

ruggedtoast wrote: »

And that old trusty fall back of the Nat, after they have failed to justify any of their tin pot arguments. The ad hominem attack, and such a weak one too.

And these people want to run a country. I think collectively you would struggle to pass a motion in Toytown. Or maybe not.

Oh the irony.......