Why Can't Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland Stay in the European Union During Brexit?
The recent discrepancy between England and the devolved nations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland regarding their stance on the European Union (EU) post-Brexit has been a hot topic. Understanding the complexities of the situation and why these nations cannot stay in the EU while England exits is crucial for a comprehensive understanding.
The Brexit Referendum and UK's Exit from the EU
The United Kingdom (UK) held a referendum in 2016 on its membership in the EU. The result, with a 52% majority, was for the UK to leave the EU, a decision known as Brexit. This vote was held for the entirety of the UK, encompassing all four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. As a result, the UK Parliament, located in Westminster, passed legislation enabling the UK to leave the EU, and initiated Brexit proceedings.
Why Can't Separate Votes Be Held for Each Country?
The notion of allowing Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to stay in the EU while England exits is impractical for several reasons. First, each of these nations is a part of the United Kingdom, and they all behave as one political and legal entity. For them to function as separate entities within the EU would require them to separate from the UK, which is not a straightforward legal or political process.
Additionally, the EU membership process is designed for entire member states, not individual regions. The Treaty of Lisbon, which is a constitutional treaty between all member states, is binding on the UK as a whole. As such, the UK as a single entity voted to leave the EU, and this decision applies to all parts of the UK.
EU Membership and Historical Context
It is important to note that Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland were never separate member states of the EU. When the UK joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, it did so as a single entity, encompassing all four nations. Therefore, the idea of “Scotland and Wales” or “Northern Ireland” remaining in the EU is legally and historically invalid.
While there have been instances where parts of member states have been outside the EU, such as Greenland and the Faroe Islands, these were special exemptions granted due to their unique circumstances. However, such exemptions were not promised or requested by the UK, and the current context of Brexit is fundamentally different.
The Closing Vote and the Northern Irland Situation
Furthermore, during the Brexit referendum, the majority of the population in Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. Although the result was a UK-wide vote, the close margins in these regions highlight the divisive nature of the decision. In Northern Ireland, the situation is further complicated by the Good Friday Agreement, which established Northern Ireland's unique political status within the EU.
Despite the overwhelming desire in these regions to remain in the EU, political and legal constraints make it impossible to reverse the UK's decision unilaterally. The UK government's stance throughout the Brexit negotiations and subsequent discussions reinforced this stance, proposing terms and conditions that align with the UK as a whole, not individual parts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the idea of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland staying in the EU while England exits is illogical and not supported by the laws and treaties that govern EU membership. The UK as a whole made a decision to leave the EU, and this decision applies to its entirety. While there are valid concerns and differences among the UK nations, the legal and political framework of the EU does not support the notion of partial membership or regional voting within a single member state.
Understanding these complexities helps in grasping why the UK's exit from the EU is an all-encompassing decision that affects all its nations, and why change requires a system-wide approach rather than regional variations.