Q: Why don’t we want to be run by London but are happy to be run by Brussels?

Why be ruled from Brussels?

Q: Why don’t we want to be run by London but are happy to be run by Brussels?

This will be a key question we need to answer if we are to win a second referendum as many yes voters also voted to leave the EU. We need to answer this because those voters may have to choose between the EU and the UK in the future. They are people who want a Scotland that has the most control over its destiny.

Thankfully the answer is pretty simple.

A: We know the difference between a supranational organisation (EU) and a unitary state (UK). Therefore, we understand that an independent Scotland within the EU would not be run by Brussels, although it is true we are currently run by London.

You see, an independent Scotland within the EU would be sovereign, whereas Scotland within the UK is not. Scotland is merely a region of the UK but would be a partner nation if independent within the EU.

An independent Scotland could choose to join the EU and in doing so we would cede some power in return for the benefits of membership. This is not giving away sovereignty as sovereignty and power are two different things. In doing so we would gain access to the single market, EU funding and we would profit from the free movement of people and ideas. We would be free to have a vote to leave the EU if we wanted to. The EU does not have the power to disband the Scottish Government.

We get more power that way

Contrast that to Scotland within the UK. The UK government can end the Scottish parliament if it sees fit. The UK government can take back any devolved power if it wants to. Scotland cannot choose to leave the UK as we need permission from the UK government in order to vote to do so.

If we have to choose between the UK and the EU, and we may well have to, as well as sovereignty the EU option gives Scotland more power.

While it MAY be true that farming and fishing MIGHT default from the EU to Holyrood post-Brexit they would still be reliant on funding from Westminster. Also, independence guarantees more powers as post independence we would control these reserved competencies:

• benefits and social security
• immigration
• defence
• foreign policy
• employment
• broadcasting
• trade and industry
• nuclear energy, oil, coal, gas and electricity
• consumer rights
• data protection
• the Constitution

Now it is fair to say that European law has an influence on all of these things. However, the bulk of EU law concerns bureaucratic regulations that are related to the common market. If you don’t think EU states have much power over laws then compare the social security systems, the health services and the defense spending in Germany versus the UK. An independent Scotland within the EU would have far more scope to change.

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So, if you like the idea of independence because you think Scotland should have more control but you don’t see the point of being ruled by Brussels; when push comes to shove voting for independence is a no brainer even if it involves being in the EU. It may not be an ideal solution but it is the one that guarantees the most power and sovereignty.

Things may change of course. Maybe constitutional reform will actually happen and the federal UK the likes of Gordon Brown are promising may become a reality. I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one, though.

Of course, other options are available that may mean people don’t have to choose between Brussels and Westminster.

One solution we have been toying with would be for an independent Scotland to join EFTA. This would mean not being ruled by Brussels or London. It would also mean we keep access to the single market while retaining control over fishing and farming. Surely this would be something all pro-independence voters could get behind regardless of what stance they took in the EUref?

Here are are some other EU blogs we have done:

Would we have to adopt the Euro?

Is there and EU queue?

Could we remain in the EU?

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