Catherine Stihler, Scottish Labour MEP

Sir,

It is absolutely vital that the people of Scotland are made aware that an independent Scotland would not automatically be granted full membership of the EU.

The Scottish Government’s White Paper has unrealistically described how influential an independent Scotland in Europe would be.  Scotland would, however, need to negotiate its accession to the EU, which would not be ‘seamless’ as Jim Mather once naively stated.  Furthermore, Mr Salmond has said on numerous occasions that Scotland would retain the pound, despite the clear fact that all new member states of the EU must adopt the Euro.

Britain’s membership of the EU provides real benefits to Scotland.  Thousands upon thousands of jobs throughout Scotland are dependent on the EU.  The Single Market has significantly driven down the prices of many goods sold across the EU.  Each year millions of tourists come to Scotland in their droves from all over Europe thanks to freedom of travel.  Literally with the stroke of a pen all of the benefits which the people of Scotland enjoy as a part of the UK and the EU could be lost. 

Scots cannot go to the polls and make an informed decision unless it is fully understood where Scotland’s position would be in the EU.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Stihler

Labour MEP for Scotland