A Last-Minute Brexit Deal: Will It Satisfy Scotland's Desire to Stay in the UK?

The recent deal secured by the UK with the EU has raised questions about its ability to appease Scotland and keep it within the United Kingdom. This article will explore whether this deal is sufficient or if Scotland's desire for independence remains stronger.

EU Will No Longer Care About Scotland

With the deal now in place, the EU will likely no longer be concerned about the Scottish scenario. Spain, for instance, has established a precedent by prohibiting autonomy for breakaway regions to avoid encouraging separatism within its own borders. This deal was more of a tactic to pressure England rather than address Scottish concerns.

Potential Downsides of the Trade Agreement

Despite the deal, there are minimal benefits for Scotland, and some aspects of it could be detrimental. The EU's ban on seed potato exports, for instance, is a significant issue given their importance in Scotland's agricultural sector. The fundamental issue for Westminster is that the majority of Scots view Brexit as a harmful and shortsighted decision, and a last-minute trade deal will likely not sway many opinions. As the negative economic impacts become apparent, it is likely that calls for independence will grow stronger.

The SNP's Perspective

The Scottish National Party (SNP) does not view the deal as a priority. In their opinion, Brexit was merely a tool for their grievance campaign. If it hadn't been Brexit, they would have latched onto something else. It's worth remembering that if the SNP had won the 2014 independence referendum, Scotland would already have left the EU several years ago.

Personal Perspectives

Some individuals, like this author, would choose to remain part of the UK over independence. There are practical reasons, such as the large market potential within the UK compared to the EU. Emotionally, the connections to family, friends, and history across the island, including Northern Ireland, are deeply significant. The incompetent leadership of the SNP would not improve the situation.

Headlines and Public Reaction

The deal has garnered significant criticism, with headlines suggesting that Scotland has been betrayed for the benefit of England. The agreement appears to offer little to shift public opinion in favor of the UK, making independence more appealing in the long term.

Conclusion

Given the current state of affairs, a last-minute Brexit deal is unlikely to satisfy Scotland's desire to remain part of the UK. The deal's downsides, combined with continuing economic concerns, may push more Scots towards supporting independence.