‘Northern Ireland Compromise Shows What Is Possible’

The SNP’s Europe and EU Accession Spokesperson Alyn Smith MP has called for fresh consideration of Scotland’s relationship with the EU single market, in light of the revised deal for Northern Ireland.

Under the Windsor Framework agreed by the UK and EU, Northern Ireland will remain in the EU single market whilst as a constituent nation of the UK. 

Scotland voted to remain in the EU by 62% in the 2016 referendum, as did Northern Ireland at 55.7%. England and Wales voted to leave.

Mr Smith has written to the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to demand Scotland “accede into the same arrangements”.

Alyn Smith MP said:

‘The Prime Minister waxing lyrical about the benefits of single market access to Northern Ireland will stick in the throats of the people of Scotland. Our vote to remain our European family of nations has been completely ignored and sidelined. England and Wales voted to Leave – and it was thus. Northern Ireland voted to remain, as did Scotland – and yet it is Scotland who has been left out in the cold.

‘I’ve written to the Prime Minister urging him to respect the democratic will of the people of Scotland, and explore similar single market access as is now the case for Northern Ireland.

‘Throughout the Brexit process the SNP Scottish Government made sensible suggestions so Scotland’s choice could be respected by remaining inside the single market and customs union. Those proposals were thrown in the bin and Scotland was taken along for the ride as we were dragged out of Europe against our will.

‘Of course, only independence will truly bring about the powers we need to build a prosperous Scotland – and ensure we can return to the top tables with our European friends and allies.’

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