The EU was clear on what would happen on a Yes vote - we would leave the EU - with all that entails; including a hard border with the remaining EU which at that time included the rest of the UK - the trading reality it was Brexit plus loss of UK market….

..especially given the threat from the far right within and the need to focus on a closer Union, with consolidation and streamlining of internal processes and vetos before expanding further.

Brexit was huge diversion followed by the pandemic and now a recalcitrant USA. There’s good chance that it wil be a ‘no’ to UK, Scotland (or anyone else) for the foreseeable future…

Indeed, agree it shouldn’t be easy: was really just making point that it’s not just a matter of Scotland trying hard; there were many warm words for Scotland when we left along with rUK, but I genuinely wonder if EU will be in expansionist mood in the short/medium term…..

Independent Scotland getting there ‘if we want’ is only half the equation - Scottish exceptionalism is as dangerous as the UK’s! - what about EU’s POV? Does it have bandwidth to expand given other issues (security, Tariffs etc); will Hungary want us? Will Spain? www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...