Scotland's Stance on EU and Brexit: A Misunderstood Narrative

When discussing Scotland's place within the European Union (EU) and the Union more broadly, the narrative can often be confusing and contradictory. The last time Scotland decisively voted, it was in favor of remaining within the United Kingdom (UK), a decision that significantly differed from the Brexit vote. This article aims to clarify the facts and debunk some common misconceptions surrounding Scotland's relationship with the EU and Brexit.

Scotland and the EU: A Separate Question

It is important to recognize that the question of whether Scotland wanted to leave the European Union is a separate issue from the referenda on Scottish independence and Brexit. In the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, the majority of Scots voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. Yet, in the 2016 Brexit referendum, the UK as a whole voted to leave the EU, but Scotland did not participate in this decision. The Brexit referendum was not held separately for Scotland, and thus the outcome of the UK referendum directly affected Scotland.

Key Voting Results

According to the records, both Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. However, the overall UK referendum result was in favor of leaving. The larger populations of England and Wales ultimately decided the fate of the UK's relationship with the EU. Despite the lower turnout in the UK referendum—just over 30% of the electorate—Scotland's official stance was to stay in the EU.

SNP's Perspective and Government Response

The Scottish National Party (SNP), which governed Scotland at that time, did not heavily promote the 'remain' cause because they believed it might contravene their ultimate goal of Scottish independence from the UK. However, it is important to note that more people who voted chose to remain in the EU, and the SNP chose not to prioritize the issue. The lower voter turnout in Scotland during the Brexit referendum (67.2%) compared to the independence referendum (84.59%) further highlights this discrepancy.

>Economic Consequences of Brexit for Scotland

Despite the clear desire of Scotland to remain in the EU, the UK as a whole voted to leave. This decision came with significant economic consequences for Scotland, which, having not participated in the referendum, felt the brunt of this outcome without a voice. The economic implications of leaving the EU have been severe, impacting industries like finance, agriculture, and manufacturing in Scotland. These industries rely heavily on free trade and access to the EU market, which has been compromised by the post-Brexit arrangements.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Scotland did not vote for Brexit; in fact, it voted overwhelmingly against it. However, the UK's decision to leave the EU meant that Scotland had to live with the consequences of this historic vote. The independent referendum on whether to remain part of the UK had a substantially higher turnout than the Brexit referendum. This highlights the critical importance of understanding the different votes and their respective outcomes.