Scotland Determined to Defend Own EU Single Market Membership - SNP

Scotland intends to defend its stance concerning the issue of remaining within the European single market, Scottish National Party’s (SNP) foreign affairs spokesman Alex Salmond said in an interview with the RT broadcaster.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – It is feasible for Scotland to maintain its positions within the EU single market and political and monetary ties with the United Kingdom, however, implementation of the idea requires not only imagination and flexibility but also sensitivity to Scotland’s interests, Salmond added.

"What is in danger is our legitimate position within the European single market. That is what we are strongly determined to defend in Scotland," Salmond said.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May laid down her Brexit plan on January 17, saying that she wanted to get the United Kingdom out of the EU single market, which triggered Scotland’s special discontent as the move is likely to lead to massive job losses and negatively affect Scottish prosperity.

The issue of Scotland's second independence referendum has been widely disputed and such a referendum is likely to be held within two years, according to Salmond.