A former president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, has said a separate Scotland joining the EU would require a ‘very long, very long debate, a hard debate, a very controversial one within the European Union’.
Mr Schulz told BBC Newsnight (see here): “I doubt that the Spanish government, and a majority of the Spanish parliament, is enthusiastic about access of countries who just separated from the integrity of the country to which they belong.”
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said:
“Contrary to SNP claims, EU membership for a separate Scotland would be far from straightforward, and could be vetoed from day one.
“Nobody knows if it would be possible or how long it would take. But we do know there are strict rules which would force Scotland to reduce its deficit by cutting public spending or raising taxes, and a requirement for new member states to commit to joining the euro.
“It would also almost certainly lead to a hard border with England, with massive economic and social consequences.
“Whatever your views on Brexit, it’s absolutely clear that Scexit is not the answer. We are stronger together as part of the UK, allowing us to grow our economy and save the pound, invest in services for the most vulnerable, and maintain our social and cultural ties without a border between us.”