Sturgeon’s IndyRef2 plan in tatters as EU set to ban Scotland from bloc unless it joins Euro | Politics | News

Nicola Sturgeon’s plan for an independent Scotland to join the European Union is in tatters as figures in Brussels say Edinburgh will have to leave the euro before membership can be considered, a report claims. Scotland’s First Minister, who campaigned for Scotland to remain in the EU in 2016, said last week that independence would free Scots from Britain’s economic problems as it seeks to return to the Brussels bloc.

However, several EU sources poured cold water on Ms Sturgeon’s plan.

Insiders say any Scottish bid for membership would require a pledge to join the single currency, the Times revealed.

A senior source said unequivocally: “No euro, no friendship.”

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross responded to the Times’ report on Twitter.

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The Moray MP said: “Nicola Sturgeon’s plan for partition is in shambles.”

The terms of EU membership dealt a further blow to Ms Sturgeon’s plan.

It said: “All EU member states except Denmark must adopt the euro and join the euro area.”

Brussels has been pushing EU-27 member states to adopt a single currency since Britain voted to leave in 2016.

Deputy First Minister John Sweeney suggested Scotland could become an EU country using its own currency within ten years.

Ms Sturgeon’s commitment to rejoin the EU comes after Scots voted overwhelmingly to remain in the bloc and English and Welsh voters backed Brexit.

The Scottish Government told the Times: “An independent Scotland would benefit from re-joining the European Union, and the EU would equally benefit from Scottish membership.

“Scotland will continue to use the pound sterling at independence and will introduce the Scottish pound as soon as practicable.”