Scottish Independence: Spanish diplomat axed after support for SNP on Europe

A Spanish diplomat who intervened in the Scottish independence debate to back the SNP's position on  EU membership has been sacked by Madrid it has emerged.

Miguel Ángel Vecino had served as Spanish consul in Edinburgh and was thrust into the spotlight last week when it emerged he had penned a letter stating that Spain would not block an independent Scotland's membership of the EU.

But the intervention went too far for the Spanish Foreign Ministry which has relieved of his duties, according to the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

The independence movements in Scotland and Catalonia have close links

"It is not up to [...] him to make this type of statements of a political nature."

It added: "For the reasons mentioned, we can confirm that Mr. Vecino has already been informed of his dismissal last Thursday. Cessation that will be effective in the next days once the corresponding procedures have been completed."

The position of the Spanish Government in relation to Scottish independence has long been contentious.

The country’ s previous prime minister, Maria no Ra joy, warned in the buildup to the 2014 in dependence referendum that a Yes vote risked Europe’s disinte - gration, with the close links between the growing Catalonian independence move and the SNP government in Scotland viewed as a major concern for Madrid.

It would only take one veto from Spain – or any of the 28 member states – to block an independent Scotland’s entry to the EU.