Craig Murray, human rights activist, author and former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan, explains in his blog that Scottish nationals have two supra-national citizenships — one is the United Kingdom's citizenship and the other is the EU's.
"In democratic referenda over the past two years, Scots have voted clearly to retain both citizenships," Murray stresses.
Back in 2014, Scotland voted to remain part of the UK by 55 percent to 45 percent.
"Unfortunately it is not possible to respect both democratic decisions of the Scottish people, due to a vote by other nationalities. So where you have democratic decisions which cannot both be implemented, which demand should take precedence?" the former ambassador asks.
However, since the referendum on retaining EU citizenship was more recent and brought together "a much larger majority" it should have precedence, the British author believes.
In light of this, he remarks, the statement of Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that a new Scottish independence referendum is now on the table, is a "sensible step."
Indeed, on Friday Sturgeon told a news conference in Bute House, Edinburgh, that a second vote on Scotland's independence from the UK is now "highly likely."
"As things stand, Scotland faces the prospect of being taken out of the EU against our will. I regard that as democratically unacceptable," Sturgeon underscored.
Citing the Scottish National Party's 2016 manifesto Sturgeon stressed that the Scottish Parliament should have the right to hold another independence referendum "if there is a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014."
Spread the word folks — RT. #indyref2 pic.twitter.com/CCqge4d4Nz
— Gil Paterson MSP (@GilMPaterson) 24 июня 2016 г.
Since Scotland does face such a change, "the option of a second referendum must be on the table," she stated.
"And it is on the table," Sturgeon emphasized.
I think people should look at this before talking utter bollocks about how people voted. pic.twitter.com/j3KG92l0im
— Neil Findlay MSP (@NeilFindlay_MSP) 24 июня 2016 г.
However, according to the former ambassador, "there is another step [Sturgeon] should take."
So far, Murray presents a potential roadmap on how the issue could be tackled.
"The democratic conflict of decisions brings about a conflict of interests between the institutions to which Scotland elects national representatives. To resolve this requires a supplementing of current constitutional arrangements. The First Minister should therefore convene a National Convention consisting of all Scotland's elected national representatives — its MEPs, MPs and MSPs united in a single democratic body merged on a one member one vote basis," Murray writes.
He explains that this body should draw up recommendations not only for the new independence referendum, but also for the future constitution, economy and currency and international alliances of a sovereign Scottish state. It should also oversee negotiations with the EU, Murray adds.
Tick-Tock folks. Time to Saor Alba…if ye ken what I mean. #indyref2 pic.twitter.com/uT91YHW0TT
— G. Fleming (@GraFleming1) 24 июня 2016 г.
Scots should be provided with a "more definite prospectus" regarding what their new independent state will look like.
"The world has changed radically," Murray underscores, "We must not be afraid to think outside the UK prescribed box in defining Scottish solutions."
Curiously enough, commenting on the results of the EU referendum, Scottish author and Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling tweeted early Friday:
Scotland will seek independence now. Cameron's legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen. https://t.co/4MDj7pndcq
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) 24 июня 2016 г.
"Scotland will seek independence now. Cameron's legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen," she wrote.
