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The issue of a second Scottish independence referendum, and breaking up the UK, has come under the spotlight further as Britain continues to push forward on post-Brexit trade talks with the European Union. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is demanding Westminster transfer powers to Holyrood to hold a second referendum, particularly following the UK’s departure from the EU, which Scotland voted against by 63 percent to 37 percent nearly four years ago. The independence calls intensified following December’s general election, which saw the SNP win a further 13 seats north of the border, leading Ms Sturgeon to claim her ruling party now has a fresh mandate for a second referendum.
Boris Johnson has continued to reject the calls, but European Commission chief Ms von der Leyen has now opened the door to Scotland potentially joining the bloc.
Hungarian MEP, István Ujhelyi of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Group asked on Monday what the possibility was of Scotland breaking free of the “prison of Great Britain”.
Mr Ujhelyi said: “Scotland cannot be held captive in the prison of Great Britain.
“Nicola Sturgeon’s party is pushing for another referendum on Scottish independence for 2020, which, given the results of the Scottish National Party in the last elections of 12 December 2019, could have an unequivocal result.
Boris Johnson has continued to reject the calls, but European Commission chief Ms von der Leyen has now opened the door to Scotland potentially joining the bloc.
Hungarian MEP, István Ujhelyi of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Group asked on Monday what the possibility was of Scotland breaking free of the “prison of Great Britain”.
Mr Ujhelyi said: “Scotland cannot be held captive in the prison of Great Britain.
“Nicola Sturgeon’s party is pushing for another referendum on Scottish independence for 2020, which, given the results of the Scottish National Party in the last elections of 12 December 2019, could have an unequivocal result.
“What are the chances for independent Scotland to join the European Union?”
In response, Ms von der Leyen said: “Any European State, which respects and promotes the values of the EU, may apply to become a member of the Union.”
But this has sparked fury among some Britons responding to our article on the Express.co.uk Facebook page.
One person wrote: “Mind your own business EU!
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“Scotland is as one with the rest of Britain.
“Sort yourselves out and good luck. You are going to need it.”
A second Facebook user wrote: “It is none of her business!
“The majority of us Scots voted NO in the independence referendum.”
Another reader commented: “With all the debt problems the EU is facing, does anyone think they will take on another failed economy?
“They are just trying to make mischief.”
Article 49 of the Treaty of Europe states any country which respects the values of the bloc can become a member.
An application must be sent to the EU Council before it receives unanimous approval from all the members of the European Parliament.
Despite Scotland voting heavily in favour of remaining in the bloc during the referendum of June 2016, Ms Sturgeon has argued the Brexit vote has changed the parameters of the initial independence referendum – in which Scots voted to stay in the UK.
Joanna Cherry, the SNP spokeswoman for the Home Department and Justice Department, insisted the party must not lose sight of its ultimate goal.
Writing in The National, she said: “I am working towards one goal alone and that is the goal of independence which most of our movement shares.”
Last week, MP for East Lothian, Kenny MacAskill claimed the “road is now open” to independence in the country.
He launched an attack on Boris Johnson’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, and said: “A man who cannot even safely look after his own country can’t restrict the forward march of another.
“The road to independence is open.”
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