MSP says Nicola Sturgeon must talk to all 27 EU states

THE Scottish Government is being urged to hold talks with all 27 EU states about Scotland’s prospects of becoming a member if the country votes for independence in 2014.

EC president José Manuel Barroso confirmed this week that Scotland would have to apply to join the EU if it left the UK and would be forced to renegotiate its way back in.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will make a statement on the issue at Holyrood today, amid calls to clarify the situation.

Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said Ms Sturgeon “must set out what EU benefits Scotland stands to lose should it leave the United Kingdom. Entry to the euro, the rebate and the Schengen agreement (on border controls) are just some of the terms up for negotiation.

“Nicola Sturgeon has to hold talks with each of the 27 member states of the EU in advance of the referendum.
Otherwise, the SNP is expecting people to vote in the dark.”

As countries such as Poland and Spain deal with independence movements in their own territories, there are fears they could be hostile towards Scotland’s entry.

Scotland would need unanimous backing of all 27 states to join.