Joe Biden presidency could be ‘ally’ in future EU membership hopes for an independent Scotland

The Scottish Government has said it welcomes comments from US president-elect Joe Biden about the UK retaining close ties with Europe after Brexit.

The election of Joe Biden as President of the United States has been welcomed by the Scottish Government.

SNP MSP Christine Grahame asked the Scottish Government’s minister for Europe and International Development whether she believed the election of Mr Biden gave Scotland an ally in its hopes to rejoin the European Union after any potential victory for independence in a future referendum.

In response, Jenny Gilruth acknowledged the significant links between Scotland and the US including a large diaspora, and said much of Mr Biden’s policies align with that of Scotland.

She said: "Our countries have a bright future working together with president-elect Biden and the first woman vice-president Kamala Harris.

"Many of our policies, including our support for fairness, equality and a strong rules-based international system, closely align with those set out by the Biden administration during the recent election campaign.”

When asked about whether Mr Biden would be an ally to an independent Scotland, Ms Gilruth welcomed comments from Mr Biden on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement in any Brexit deal with the EU.

She said: “The Scottish Government welcomes the comments made by president-elect Biden on Europe, in particular his emphasis on the value of the UK maintaining a close relationship with Europe and the necessity of abiding by the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.

"We look forward to working with the new administration when they are sworn in in January and welcome the opportunity to work with them on issues such as Europe, free trade agreements and on climate change.”

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