Scotland Begins Measures to Preserve EU Membership

In response to the results of the UK's referendum on leaving the European Union, Scotland's First Minister announced that the local government is taking steps to preserve Scotland's membership in the EU and is preparing for a possible referendum. Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister, told reporters on Saturday that "we are determined to take a unifying action across Scotland," adding that this action may include a re-vote on the region's independence from the UK. Residents of Scotland voted against independence from the UK in the 2014 referendum, and since then, the independence option has not gained significant support in polls. However, after Scots emphasized their desire to remain in the EU during the EU separation referendum, the Scottish National Party, led by Ms. Sturgeon, argued that the reason for Scots' opposition to independence from the UK in 2014 was their belief that it was the only guarantee for remaining in the EU. The Scottish National Party also argued that the results of the EU separation referendum bring the independence case to a new phase and that many Scots may reconsider their vote. Scotland's First Minister stated on Friday, after the announcement of the EU separation referendum results, that a new independence referendum would be "very bearable." On Saturday, after a local cabinet meeting, Ms. Sturgeon emphasized that Scotland would not allow its EU membership to be taken away without exploring all possible options. She stated that they are seeking immediate discussions with European institutions and other EU members to explore all options for preserving Scotland's EU membership. The First Minister reiterated that the proposal for an independence referendum could be on the agenda. Reuters noted in its report that the Scottish National Party needs to hold two more seats to have an absolute majority in the local parliament. In Scotland, a spokesperson for the Greens, an ally of the National Party, stated that it is too early to decide on an independence referendum, but in light of the results of the EU separation referendum, few doubt that the independence option should be considered. In contrast, Will Rennie, leader of the Liberal Democrats, stated that his party is convinced to support Ms. Sturgeon's negotiations with the EU, but these negotiations should not be a pretext for pursuing independence. This local party supports the idea of a strong and autonomous Scotland within the UK. EU officials have not yet officially reacted to Scotland's expressed desire to be part of the union. In this context, The Guardian reported on Saturday that it sought a comment from a spokesperson for the European Commission regarding the First Minister's statements, but he declined to comment. The spokesperson also stated that regarding the potential decision of EU officials to negotiate with the local Scottish government, "if a request for negotiation is received, there will certainly be a response, but I cannot comment on something that has not happened." He added that currently, the UK is still a member of the EU, and discussions about leaving the union have not yet begun. Meanwhile, the EU on Saturday designated a special group to follow up on negotiations for the UK's exit. A spokesperson for Donald Tusk, the current President of the European Council, also confirmed that a special group has been formed to follow up on the negotiations, and Didier Seeuws will lead this group. Mr. Seeuws is Belgian and was a special advisor to Mr. Van Rompuy when he chaired the European Council.