Deputy First Minister Wee Nicky has got to learn that just cause she says it doesn't make it so! Her latest is that entry into the EU for an independent Scotland would be automatic, this by no means assured, in fact, the majority of the legal opinion is that this is NOT the case. The automatic membership of the EU would not be for Scotland but for the remainder of the United Kingdom.
Her assertion that the EU would want Scotland because it is Oil rich backs up the argument that Scotland would not gain automatic entry into the EU, why? Because, why would it matter whether they would want Scotland or not if an independent Scotland had automatic entry? Her own words prove that even she does not believe her parties rhetoric. The fact that she 'Can't' reveal her legal source is more than a little suspicious and the fact that she refuses to confirm whether the Scottish Government's own legal department agrees pretty much says they don't or she and the SNP would be shouting it from the rooftops.
Now do not get me wrong my understanding of this topic is limited (as it seems is wee Nicky's) but, having limited study of the articles of association in University I have to say wee Nicky's statements are dubious to say the least. Personally I don't think it will be an issue given that I do not think that Scotland will vote to become independent, but, even if it was, I for one would like to see a little more meat on the bones of the SNP's policy here, for instance how many seats do the SNP think they will get at the 'Top Table'? Do they believe that an independent Scotland would have the same power of veto as the rest of the UK? What would they do on the new EU Constitution?
I will leave it at that for now, but it is certainly something to think about.
