Lib Dems say a Yes vote is a vote to leave the EU

Voting for Scottish independence is also a vote to leave the European Union, according to a Liberal Democrat MEP.George Lyon made the claim in the closing speech at the Scottish Lib Dem conference in Aberdeen.

George Lyon delivers his keynote address. Picture: Allan Milligan

He rejected the Scottish Government position that membership can be sewn up in the 18 months between a Yes vote and formal independence from the UK.

Mr Lyon, campaigning for Lib Dem votes in the European election this May, said: “The question at these European elections is not simply in or out of the EU.

“The Scottish referendum means that the question Scots have to confront is do we want to be in Britain or out of Europe?”

He told party activists that the shortest time a new country has taken to become a full EU member since 1995 was eight years.

He argues that Scotland would be forced out of the EU and have to reapply for membership. The SNP says that Scotland, being part of the EU already, would be able to renegotiate from within the UK.

Questions remain about what terms Scotland would have to accept, with some suggesting the country would have to agree to adopt the euro or join the Schengen free-travel area.

The SNP argues that voting to stay in the UK means Scotland could be forced out of the EU if a future British government goes ahead with a proposed in/out referendum on Europe.

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