IF the UK media is to be believed the leadership election that matters is between Tory Tweedledum and Tweedledee, however in truth, the changing of the guard that really matters is in the European Union. Regardless whether Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt wins, they will both seek to steer Scotland and the UK in a damaging Brexit direction, but the real power will be exercised by the leadership of European institutions. Fantasy Brexit unicorns might please the blue-rinse Tory brigade, but the minute the next Conservative Prime Minister comes up against the hard reality of EU unity, they will be in trouble. How do we know that? Because every single nominee for key European posts have pledged not to reopen the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. Every single one. . While none of the European nominees are fans of Brexit, quite a number have a positive interest in Scotland, understand the Scottish vote to remain in the European Union and the active efforts to protect Scotland’s place in Europe. Commission president nominee Ursula von der Leyen spoke at a hearing in the European Parliament earlier this week, where she was questioned by Scottish MEP Alyn Smith. After an invitation to visit Scotland and a reminder of Scotland’s pro-European sentiment and leadership by Nicola Sturgeon, Mrs von der Leyen said she was a fan of the First Minister and offered “respect and good luck”. When asked about the opportunity to remain in the European Union she said: “Yes, the door is open, because we want you in. . “And the political consequences are way harder when it comes the other way round – so, as we’ve said, we want you in, we are prepared for whatever happens … but if we are to choose, we want you in.” READ MORE: Make a Scottish plan for Europe – Brexit or not, think tank urges The likely new head of European Foreign Policy Josep Borrell is already on the record saying that an independent Scotland would be welcome in the European Union. Speaking as Spanish Foreign Minister in November 2018, he said he believed that UK would break up long before Spain ever did, and would not stand in the way of a respected Scottish independence process. Scotland is a known quantity for Christine Lagarde, who has already met Nicola Sturgeon for discussions in New York as head of the International Monetary Fund. Similarly, the situation in Scotland is also well understood by the German MEP who chairs the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee David McAllister, – who is helped by being half-Scots himself. While Brexit Britain is inward looking and self-harming, the rest of Europe is getting on with the day job of charting the future of the largest trading bloc in the world. When it comes to the next Scottish independence referendum and the vote to protect our place in Europe, it will be clear that Scotland has many friends across Europe and a warm welcome when we take up our rightful place as a member state of the European Union. https://www.thenational.scot/news/17768107.angus-roberston-scotland-friends-europe-many-top-jobs/
She’s hardly going to say ‘we’d tell you to sod off’ though. I wonder what she really thinks and how on earth do you tell if a politician means what they say or is just saying what they think you want to hear ?
Nope, a weak hand, but with even weaker opposition leadership who have their fingers in the EU pie - worse than bullies they are
of course she isn't, we have 20% of the EU,renewable energy capacity, most of the fishing waters, most of the oil and gas producing areas and 30% of the UK's wealth. knows her place she does, and a lil diplomacy too.
aye, she might be. but, the rest is true. surley the greedy globalist wouldn't want to lose a slice of our assets.
