Sturgeon insists Scotland’s place is in European Union as a sovereign independent state
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On her first visit to Brussels following Brexit, Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon insisted on Scotland’s place in the European Union, as a sovereign independent state.
Her remarks were made during a speech at a Brussels-based think tank.
“The UK is not a unitary state, it’s a voluntary union of nations. And one of those nations, Scotland, has expressed majority support time and again for remaining in the EU. I don’t believe it is right that more than 5 million EU citizens should be removed from the European Union after 47 years of membership, without even the chance to have their say on the future of their country. That is why we are taking in Scotland and in the Scottish government the steps required to ensure that a referendum can be held, that is legal and legitimate, so that the result can be accepted and embraced both at home and internationally.”
Independence is not a matter of if, but of when, Sturgeon insisted. In the meantime, she says her government will continue to work closely with London on all matters. But on the trade relationship with the EU, Sturgeon said Scotland will not accept any lowering of standards.
Sturgeon’s speech comes on the heels of a meeting with EU commission vice-president Margarethe Vestager, which reportedly focused on digital economy and climate.
