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“As an independent member of the European Union, Scotland would be a partner and bridge builder,” Sturgeon wrote on his Scottish National Party (SNP) website.
In the 2016 Brexit referendum, Scotland supported a clear majority in favor of increased UK membership in the European Union. However, with Brexite supporters winning that vote, Scotland gained new momentum to consider leaving the UK.
Scottish independence advocates lost the 2014 referendum, but Sturgeon is now campaigning for a new plebiscite and hopes that an independent Scotland can rejoin the EU.
“More and more people in Scotland believe that our ambition is best matched by a continued contribution to the joint efforts and solidarity that the EU represents,” he wrote.
“Thanks to Brexit, we can only do this now as an independent member state,” Sturgeon added. “We did not want to leave and we hope to join you soon as equal partners.”
Recent polls in Scotland have shown consistent support for independence. Furthermore, relations between London and the highly empowered Edinburgh government have been exacerbated by disagreements over the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, returning to the EU would not be a mere formality, especially when Scotland’s annual budget deficit remains high. Furthermore, Sturgeon should first obtain the consent of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to hold a referendum on independence in the area.
The Prime Minister has ruled out that possibility, but the SNP would likely claim to have the authority to do so and would pressure Johnson if he does well in the upcoming regional elections.
While London takes the position that the 2014 referendum settled Scotland’s independence for decades, Sturgeon argues that Brexitas and the total withdrawal from the single market and the EU customs union have fundamentally changed the situation.
“We are now facing a difficult Brexit against our will, at the worst possible time, amid a pandemic and an economic recession,” he said on Saturday.
“For too long, the UK government has led Scotland one after another in the wrong direction, culminating in Brexit,” said the SNP leader. “No wonder so many people in Scotland are already in trouble.”
It is not allowed to publish, quote or reproduce the information of the BNS news agency in the media and on websites without the written consent of the UAB “BNS”.
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