Independence debate - Q&A
We have enlisted Mary Scanlon, Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands and Richard Laird, deputy leader of the SNP group in Highlands and Islands, to answer your questions.
This question for our mini-panel is on the EU
Q: If we stay in the UK, a UK-wide referendum could overrule what the majority of scots want and take up out of the European Union.Alex Salmond wants to remain part of the EU. Could it be a safer bet to vote for independence in order to stay in the EU?
A: Richard Laird
If we stay in the UK, we won’t get to decide whether we wish to remain in the EU. With a referendum on EU membership likely within the next few years, there is a real possibility that we could vote to remain in the EU, but be forced out because other parts of the UK vote to leave.
In the same way that being in the UK gives Scotland Conservative governments that we don’t elect, being part of the UK takes the decision on whether to remain in the EU out of our hands. Whether or not you believe EU membership to be in our best interests, what is critical is that the decision must be made by us, not for us by voters elsewhere. The only way to guarantee that happens is independence.
A: Mary Scanlon
The only way to guarantee a referendum on Europe is to vote against separation and support the Conservatives at the next election as David Cameron has promised an in-out referendum but only after trying to reform the EU.
Alex Salmond, when questioned by Ruth Davidson, said an independent Scotland led by him would not have a referendum on the EU. Why would the First Minister not want people in Scotland to decide if they wanted to remain in or out of a reformed European Union? David Cameron does not want to take the UK out of Europe. The Prime Minister wants to renegotiate the terms of our membership, taking powers back from Brussels. If successful, the United Kingdom’s relationship with Europe will be enhanced.
