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Scotland: Independence in Europe or Loss of Identity

Lorna Thomas - 5/2/2007

On March 25, 2007 the European Union celebrated 50 years since the signing of the Treaties of Rome brought it into existence. On March 25, 1707, 300 years earlier, the Scottish Parliament adjourned for the last time before its union with Britain. Once again, in 2007 Scotland is facing a major choice regarding its future.

In 1999, the choice began with devolution of power from England to Scotland. Scotland now faces the even more important decision relating to gaining independence from Britain and so-called 'independence in Europe'.

Scottish Parliamentary elections will be held on 3 May 2007. Should the Scottish Nationalist Party or SNP gain executive power, it plans to hold a referendum on this issue within its first term.

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was born of Scottish nobility and spent her childhood at Glamis castle in Scotland. The part she played during World War II in supporting the King and the people of Britain is well-known, and for this she was considered by Hitler 'the most dangerous woman in Europe'. She was a beacon of light to the peoples of the United Kingdom as they fought against the darkest forces of extreme nationalism which sought to destroy them.

In later years her opposition to British involvement in the European Union was publicized.

" 'She doesn't like the European Union at all' one of her ladies in waiting commented. 'She disapproves of everything Brussels does, and hates the idea of the Euro. She thinks Britain has a most wonderful history and independence and doesn't want to lose it in some sort of federation. In her mind, the Euro is a fatal step towards that. She loathes the thought of Britain as a province of Europe.'" (The Mother of Majesty, Graham Turner, The Telegraph)

On 1 July 1999 alongside locals and visitors, I watched the proceedings in the streets of Edinburgh on 1 July 1999. It was Scotland’s D-day - devolution day. Devolution was seen by some as the first step to independence. Others saw it as the precursor of the disintegration of the United Kingdom. It was definitely a day marking division in the United Kingdom. (On the same day power devolved to the Welsh Assembly and exactly 6 months later to Northern Ireland on 1 December 1999.)

We looked on as the Black Watch, pipers, drummers and Scotland's schoolchildren marched past to the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall, where Queen Elizabeth II would open Scotland’s first parliament for nearly 300 years.

The Duke of Hamilton sat in the back seat of a Rolls Royce, the crown of Scotland significantly resting on a cushion before him. (Should Scotland gain independence it would no doubt hold a referendum on whether to have its own King.)

The Household cavalry accompanied the open carriage of the waving Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Charles. There were cheers for a beaming, kilted Sean Connery, one of the SNP's most notable financial backers, his eyes firmly fixed on Scottish independence.

The Concorde and RAF Red Hawks flew overhead. The late First Minister Donald Dewar and current SNP leader Alex Salmond and other members of the Scottish parliament greeted the crowds outside the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall which would temporarily house the new Scottish Parliament.

The SNP promises freedom from English rule and 'independence in Europe' for this small country of 5 million within the 60 million UK. The EU is already close to 500 million.

But can devolution and promises of independence from a union that has existed over centuries with benefits for both blind some to the very real alternative of conforming to potentially far more stringent European rules?

In 1999 I wrote: 'Not only was 1 July 1999 a ‘day of destiny’ for Scotland, but for Britain as a whole. The devolution of power to Scotland and Wales on that day, was a major step in the disintegration of a once powerful, once united Britain, taken in the face of an increasingly united and powerful Europe. Ironically both British division and European unity are motivated by nationalistic fervour.'

In 2007, it is becoming more obvious that whatever its final configuration, the EU alliance is going to include a revitalized, re-armed Russia partnering in leadership with Germany. (State religion will come to play a large part in this union.)

Is Scotland willing to turn its back on its involvement with Britain over the last centuries, to forget its links which in fact go back further than the Union of 1707 - for promises that cannot be kept because they have no basis?

The SNP campaigns 'Independence in Europe' but voters would lack both historical perspective or foresight of the future to naively believe that they would retain their independence or influence a Europe intent on chartering it's own destiny and speaking and acting as one.

Rhetoric regarding English rule over Scotland in the past or Scotland's role in Europe should not replace the reality of history, including that of the 20th century or of current events and trends.

Promises of 'independence in Europe' for Scotland can only be without substance, as the SNP has absolutely no basis from which to make these promises. Scotland is not a member of the EU, has no guarantee of its admission to the EU or that the terms and conditions it would have to conform to would be to its benefit.

As in 1999, when power devolved not only to Scotland but to Wales and Northern Ireland, should a desire for independence from Britain affect these nations, it could effectively lead to dissolution of the United Kingdom.

It could leave each weak and vulnerable in the face of a strong Europe - or, if initial membership to the EU is granted, could force the individual nation to compromise their independence, ideals and former loyalties, to conform to a more powerful union.

Growing extremist nationalism is on the rise in the world, including in Europe.

Rather than being caught up in rhetoric and empty promises, Scotland may be wise to heed the advice of one of its most influential daughters who fought and helped save the United Kingdom from European domination in the 20th century.