NICOLA Sturgeon says she is “more confident” than ever that the EU will welcome an independent Scotland “open arms”.
In an exclusive question and answer session with readers of The National in tomorrow's paper, the First Minister says “there is an extraordinary amount of goodwill toward Scotland across the EU”.
Responding to a query from Anne Smart, the SNP leader adds that: “As a member for the last 40 years as part of the UK, Scotland by definition meets the entry criteria.”
Scotland currently meets most EU criteria for membership. Writing in Prospect magazine recently, Dr Kirsty Hughes, from the Scottish Centre on European Relations, says the only difficulty could be around the currency.
She said: “Having a goal of joining the euro would be controversial. But the likely size of an independent Scotland’s budget would preclude it from joining the single currency for several years anyway.
“Less debated is the tricky fact that if Scotland did stick with the pound for several years after independence (as is SNP policy) it might not meet accession criteria on monetary policy—promoting price stability and treating its exchange rate with member states as a matter of common concern.”
In tomorrow's National, the First Minister also answers questions on independence, requesting a Section 30 order, SNP candidate selection and what she really thinks of Murdo Fraser.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel