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In an interview with AFP London School of Economics Professor Begg detailed Scotland’s options as the Brexit process evolves. He said: ”Scotland could request a special solution similar to Northern Ireland." The Withdrawal Agreement provides that Northern Ireland will effectively remain in a customs union with the EU.

However, there may not be enough time to extend this regulation to Scotland, the professorial research fellow admitted. He also poured cold water on Nicola Sturgeons enthusiasm for a rejuvenated Scotland in a post independence scenario. He said: ”The Scottish budget is overall subsidised by London.” He also maintained that Scotland is now economically dependent of England as income from North Sea oil is dwindling.

Nicola Sturgeon could ask for Northern Ireland style post-brexit arrangement

The economist insisted that the most important export market for Scottish goods is not the EU, but England. In addition, the Scottish National Party (SNP) wants to keep the British pound, which would mean a monetary policy problem after independence. Mr Begg outlined the challenges of an independent Scotland joining the EU when he pointed out that even if the Scots were optimistic that they would be able to return to the EU quickly after independence, an accession process would take years. He said: “This is especially since Brussels wants to avoid the impression that they had a positive view towards independence in the face of separatists in Flanders and Catalonia". JUST IN: Gisela Stuart explains why EU will have to adopt two-tier structure

SNP's huge majority in Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon could ask for Northern Ireland style post-brexit arrangement

Mr Begg suggests that this may be because she does not want to emulate what enfold after the Catalonian elections. He said: “Maybe she is deterred by the chaos in Catalonia.” Although she could get permission from the highest British court and hold the referendum without Johnson's blessing, “this is unchartered territory in constitutional law". Mr Begg predicted the conflict between Edinburgh and London will probably be symbolic for the foreseeable future.

Nicola Sturgeon

In 2014, the Scots had spoken against independence with 55 to 45 percent. However, Sturgeon believes that the situation has changed as a result of Brexit because the majority of the Scots voted to remain in 2016. Mr Begg, who is Scottish himself, sees it differently, he said: "The SNP won only 45 percent of the Scottish votes in the current election.” There can therefore be no talk of a new majority for independence.

Nicola Sturgeon

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