Scare tactics over EU position

Madam, – In The Courier of August 20 we were once more subjected to another scaremongering letter from Keith Howell, this time on an independent Scotland’s chances of remaining in the EU (SNP’s stance is a tale of two deals).

Over the years Mr Howell has warned us that voting yes to independence would see Scotland out of the EU.

Further he has stated that Scotland would be vetoed by Spain; that Scotland would have to join a queue; that Scotland would have to join the euro and much more; that it would take 10 years of negotiations. All, of course, untrue.

I could point to statements from leading EU officials who have said Scotland would be more than welcome, and that joining the EU would be seamless.

Instead I would suggest your readers do a wee bit of research.

Professor Graham Avery who is a senior adviser at the European Policy Centre, senior member of St Antony’s College, Oxford

University and honorary director general of the EU commission, versus Mr Howell and Scotland in the union.

Professor Avery looked into the question of an independent Scotland and EU membership... prior to Brexit.

He states at the end of his paper (European Policy Centre, policy brief May 28, 2014) “in conclusion, Scotland in the future is likely to remain in the EU, either as an independent country or as part of the UK”.

Reading this brief would put to bed the scaremongering of Mr Howell and his compatriots.

Stephen Windsor. Kinfauns, Perth.