The future of Scotland in a post-Brexit world depends on a close relationship with our European neighbours. To achieve that it is essential to replicate, as far as is practically possible, all the measures required by the EU’s freedom of movement provisions.Support has grown for the idea that Scotland should have a differentiated immigration settlement so that it could … [Read more...] about Giving Scotland control of immigration
“A Nation with Ambition”: Scotland’s European Future
Nicola Sturgeon has attracted praise from across the political spectrum for the coherent, long-term vision she unveiled for Scotland in her Programme for Government before MSPs on 5 September.Her strong focus on making Scotland a global leader in innovation and the low carbon economy provides a firm basis for public and private investment over the next decade and more to … [Read more...] about “A Nation with Ambition”: Scotland’s European Future
The EU Withdrawal Bill and devolution
The publication this week of the Repeal Bill has major implications for the powers of the Scottish Parliament.The UK Government hopes the Bill will provide a smooth and orderly transition of EU powers into UK legislation. Recent publications by the International Public Policy Institute (on agriculture and fisheries, and environmental law) and through the new Scottish Centre … [Read more...] about The EU Withdrawal Bill and devolution
An independent Scottish foreign policy
If Scotland votes to become independent and applies for EU membership, a key new issue would be the role it would seek to play in the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).Under the CFSP, Member States must be able to conduct political dialogue in the framework of CFSP, to align with EU statements (for example in the … [Read more...] about An independent Scottish foreign policy
Post-Brexit Scotland and environmental law
Environmental law is a founding competence of the Scottish Parliament. It is also an area of extensive EU competence as a flanking policy of the single market.Setting a Scottish-specific approach to the repatriation of environmental competence from the EU will be a key area of policy development during and after the Brexit negotiations. As such it will be a key shaper of … [Read more...] about Post-Brexit Scotland and environmental law