It's interesting how the SNP case for an independent Scotland joining the EU (or continue to be a part of it), using another nations currency and asking its bank to be the lender of last resort for its debts, all comes down to the fact they've written it on a piece of paper.
Yes never mind negotiations or wants of other parties, no everyone must relent to Scotland's demands because it's printed in the report they made. If you don't you're a bully.
I've just watched the minister for Europe give evidence to the select committee on the referendum for Scottish independence. The SNP have massively underestimated the difficulty in gaining accession to the EU and the consequences and length of time they will be outside after leaving the UK. There is little the UK govt can do to help them either so at least we can't be accused of bullying.
They can't apply until they are a separate nation.
They have to use article 49 for accession.
It took Croatia six years.
All current UK derogations and exceptions will be lost.
It takes unanimity of all 28 countries on all aspects of entry.
Major impacts,
CAP farm subsidy payments end until Scotland rejoins,
Scotland won't be allowed to keep the pound even if the UK allowed it.
VAT on food books and new homes and increased VAT on fuel.
Structural regional payments end.
RUK students will have to be given the same terms as EU students.
Scotland’s share of UK rebate lost.
Even if Scotland accepts all these changes they could still be blocked from entry because if even one country fears setting a precedent on separation they can just refuse. All these issues are contentious because new entrants have been denied restricted or have been forced to accept diminished terms on entry in the past. So for instance how does Scotland negotiate full CAP payments for their farmers when they need Eastern EU countries to agree to this while not getting the payments themselves?
The SNP say it will all be taken care of in 18 months, I'm not sure if they are actually lying or they just don't understand what they are talking about. I wouldn't count on being in the EU any time soon if I was voting yes and the rest of the EU will probably exact a huge price from Scotland for getting in if they ever make it in.