#SNP leadership: Humza Yousaf will reportedly say today that the SNP should have its own presence in Brussels "to help lay the groundwork" for Scotland joining the EU. Such an approach is far more likely to backfire thenational.scot/news/23346665.…
The Scottish Government already has a relatively large office in Brussels – which, naturally and appropriately, is focused on Scotland's relationships with the EU now, under the present constitution. That representation is surely sufficient for Scotland's current requirements
The singular mission for the Scottish Government, even one that desires independence, should be to build and sustain practical and mutually-beneficial relationships with EU partners at all levels. A political party office advocating independence would detract from that mission
More to the point, what would an SNP office/presence have as its goals? To tell the EU institutions and Member States that the SNP wants independence? They already know that. To encourage the same to speak favourably about Scottish EU membership? They won't do that.
Indeed, direct advocacy in Brussels from Scottish political parties supporting independence will make EU actors less likely, not more likely, to be disposed to working with Scotland. Fewer genuine relationships with EU partners would hinder, not help, an aim of EU membership
Those who want to lay the groundwork for Scottish EU membership should encourage the Scottish Government to develop a real post-Brexit EU relations strategy and should reflect on the reality that the EU accession process would depend on Scotland's degree of self-preparation –
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