The Independence Debate
Under the principles of the Vienna Convention on Succession of States in respect of Treaties and related customary international law, not all UK treaties automatically bind a newly independent Scotland, nor does it automatically succeed to them.
The Independence Debate
Scotland would seek diplomatic recognition immediately after independence, starting with the United Kingdom and major allies. UK recognition would be the most important early step and would strongly influence others.
The Independence Debate
Scotland would seek membership of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the OECD, and other standard international organisations as a normal attribute of statehood.
The Independence Debate
Scotland would apply to join the World Trade Organisation as a new member under Article XII of the Marrakesh Agreement. Accession requires negotiation of terms with existing members and typically takes several years.
The Independence Debate
Trade with the EU would initially be conducted on WTO terms, while Scotland negotiated its own bilateral trade and cooperation agreements with the EU.
The Independence Debate
Scotland would not apply to join the European Union. Independence is pursued so Scotland can make major decisions affecting it through institutions accountable to the people who live here.
The Independence Debate
International posture tests the definition of independence in the public sphere. This framework is explicit: Scotland would not apply to join the European Union.
The Independence Debate
Scotland would operate its own asylum system in line with international obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention and other relevant treaties. Scottish authorities would decide asylum claims under Scottish law and procedures.
The Independence Debate
Existing residents would retain their rights. UK citizens lawfully living in Scotland at independence would have a clear route to Scottish citizenship or permanent residence with full rights to live, work and access services.
The Independence Debate
Scottish citizenship would be established by law on independence. Automatic or simplified routes would apply to British citizens habitually resident in Scotland, those born in Scotland, and those with a qualifying parental or grandparental connection.
The Independence Debate
Scotland would have full sovereign control over its immigration system. Holyrood would set policy based on Scotland’s economic, demographic, and social needs.
The Independence Debate
Goods moving between Scotland and the rest of the UK would be managed through a combination of mutual recognition of standards where possible, a trusted-trader scheme for most commercial volume, digital pre-clearance, and risk-based, intelligence-led checks.