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Just a couple of thoughts on #EFTA
1) if Scotland did become independent I would want it to be in the EU, I just a) don& #39;t think that& #39;s feasible and b) it doesn& #39;t offset damage of leaving UK
1) if Scotland did become independent I would want it to be in the EU, I just a) don& #39;t think that& #39;s feasible and b) it doesn& #39;t offset damage of leaving UK
Many times when I point out the process and problems of EU membership, and someone realised they can& #39;t wish away issues (like keeping the pound and closing Chapter 17) they just dismiss it with "we& #39;ll just join EFTA in the meantime"
First: even if that was a trade equivalent of low tarrif EU membership it might be the least of bad options but it& #39;s still much worse than the status quo for trade
Second: I believe Scots have the right to make an *informed* choice.
If the SNP are chasing pro-EU votes with promises to win elections then Independence it is a fraud on the people to only deliver EFTA. People need to know the destination before committing
If the SNP are chasing pro-EU votes with promises to win elections then Independence it is a fraud on the people to only deliver EFTA. People need to know the destination before committing
Third; EFTA js a position the SNP have argued against. Being rule takers not makers. It undermines their & #39;scottish decisions taken here& #39; sovereignty claim. On their own terms It& #39;s a powergrab away from Holyrood.
Fourth; EFTA does not include – Customs Union, Common Agriculture and Fisheries; Common Commercial Policy; Common Foreign and Security Policy; Economic and Monetary Union or a seat at the table.
Fifth: The EU position is that they see EFTA as "an alternative destination, not a stepping stone to membership".
Sixth: it& #39;s not a done deal, it would still need agreement from EFTA which might be easy; unless we came to Independence with a wildcat plebiscite, or in an unconstitutional non S30 way. If we were unrecognised by the UN, like Kosovo, then probably no EFTA
