Stephen Gethins MP: Scots are now 'closer to the EU exit door than ever before'

One of the criticisms of Westminster is that it can exist in its own bubble with little thought or consideration for what goes on beyond. No-where is this more apparent than in our relationship with the European Union and the fact that Westminster changing our relationship with the EU will have ramifications that reverberate around the UK.’.

Any changes to our membership will have a deep impact in particular on the devolved administrations across this family of nations. The Scottish Government has a good relationship with partners across Europe and in the institutions. In fact the Saltire is the only flag to fly on Rond Pont Schuman at the heart of Brussels facing the European Commission Berlaymont building.
__________________________________________________________

RELATED CONTENT

EU reform is not 'Mission Impossible', insists David Cameron
David Cameron: I'm deadly serious about possible Brexit  
Britain is more secure as part of EU, say former military commanders 

__________________________________________________________

Scottish Ministers are regular visitors to the institutions. It is easy to see why with Richard Lochhead making the case for our fishermen and farmers (as the EU’s longest serving Fisheries Minister), Aileen MacLeod promoting Scotland’s world leading climate change actions or Roseanna Cunningham championing the European Alliance for Apprenticeships.

The relationship is no less important for the other devolved administrations which is why my debate does not just focus on Scotland. Up to 200,000 Welsh jobs are said to depend on the EU with Ministers having key areas of responsibility for areas deeply affected by EU legislation. For Northern Ireland there are acute concerns given the impact that any EU exit could have on the Good Friday Agreement or the Common Travel Area. In fact Section 24 of the Northern Ireland Act prohibits any legislation contrary to EU Law.

Given all of this you would have thought that the UK Government would have been deeply engaged with the devolved administrations during this process. As well as having distinctive areas of responsibility that will be affected, devolved administrations have expertise, contacts and a perspective that Whitehall lacks. They could have made a significant contribution to negotiations. However the lack of consultation has fallen far short and that will be to the detriment of all involved.

It is becoming increasingly clear that David Cameron is struggling to get the deal he needs to placate his party’s Eurosceptics. At the same time as losing friends and influence across Europe Scottish Government Ministers and others are exasperated about the lack of consultation and the lack of respect.

During the Independence Referendum the prime Minister made the assertion that a Yes vote could mean Scots being thrown out of the EU. Now we are closer to the exit door than ever before.

Stephen Gethins is the MP for North East Fife and the SNP’s Westminster Spokesperson on Europe