What impact did Brexit have on the Scottish independence conversation?

Brexit reignited the Scottish independence conversation, with many Scots feeling their vote to remain in the EU was ignored.

The 2016 Brexit referendum saw the United Kingdom vote to leave the European Union, but the results were not uniform across the country. Scotland, in particular, voted overwhelmingly to remain, with 62% of voters choosing to stay in the EU. This stark contrast between the overall UK result and the Scottish vote led to renewed calls for Scottish independence, as many Scots felt their democratic choice was being overridden by the rest of the UK.

The Scottish National Party (SNP), the leading political party in Scotland, has long advocated for Scottish independence. Following the Brexit vote, the SNP argued that Scotland was being taken out of the EU against its will, and that this constituted a material change in circumstances that justified a second independence referendum. The first referendum, held in 2014, saw 55% of Scots vote to remain part of the UK. However, the SNP contends that Brexit has significantly altered the political landscape, making a new vote necessary.

The Brexit process also highlighted perceived power imbalances between the UK government and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Scottish government criticised the UK government's handling of Brexit negotiations, arguing that they were not adequately consulted on key decisions. This has further fuelled the independence debate, with some Scots feeling that their interests are not being adequately represented within the UK.

Moreover, the economic implications of Brexit have also played a role in the independence conversation. Many Scots are concerned about the potential negative impact of Brexit on the Scottish economy, particularly in sectors such as fishing and agriculture that are heavily reliant on EU trade. The SNP has argued that an independent Scotland could rejoin the EU and thereby mitigate some of these economic concerns.

In conclusion, Brexit has had a significant impact on the Scottish independence conversation. It has reignited the debate, with many Scots feeling that their democratic choice to remain in the EU was ignored. The perceived mishandling of Brexit negotiations and concerns about the economic impact of leaving the EU have further fuelled calls for a second independence referendum.