Britain’s decision to leave the European Union has far-reaching consequences -- one of which is the shape of future relations between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Britain is headed for the EU exit, but it seems Scotland wants to stay. More people are querying whether Scotland could have a relationship with the European Union, while maintaining its position within the United Kingdom.
“The situation in Scotland, is a majority of people, a big majority do not want to leave the European Union. So we need to make sure that as the UK leaves, the position of Scotland is protected,” said Tommy Sheppard, member of Parliament Edingburgh East.
Two years ago, 55% of Scots chose to stay in the UK, while 45% preferred independence. After the Brexit vote, the recent poll showed 'No real shift' towards independence. While the First Minister of Scotland said the leave result made another vote on Scottish independence highly likely.
“The First Minister Sturgeon, my successor Nicola Sturgeon said she is opening discussion with other European leaders to facilitate a way which Scotland can stay part of the European project. It maybe of course the only way to do that is by becoming an independent country within Europe, while England goes out of Europe,” said Alex Salmond, former first minister of Scotland.
However, a second referendum on Scottish independence has been ruled out by the new British Prime Minister Theresa May. She indicated Britain will not start the formal process of leaving the European Union until there is a UK-wide approach.
"I want the Scottish government to be fully engaged in our discussions and considerations and I will listen to any options that they bring forward," said Theresa May, British PM.
Both sides are trying to reach a common agreement in the wake of the vote on what Brexit means. They hope to start shifting public attitudes in favor of independence, from the EU for UK and from the UK for Scotland.
“In a way the government is exploring other possible options, the party is preparing to return to return to the issue of independence, but they won't hold a independence referendum until they are confident that they can win it. Because to lose a first referendum gave them a platform, gave them bonus, gave them strength, that they have utilized very well since the referendum in 2014, but losing a second one, it is much bigger and negative impact,” said Prof. Nicola Mcewen, University of Edinburgh.
It seems that a second vote is not currently on the table. But emerging details of the Brexit deal may alter the context of the independence debate.
