‘No aspect of Scottish life has been helped by Brexit,’ says top legal figure

A high-profile lawyer has said “no aspect” of Scottish life has been helped by Brexit, as a new pro-EU office is opened in Brussels.

The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) is an independent pressure group formed in 1990 which campaigns for closer alignment with the European Union and an eventual return to the bloc.

The organisation has opened its first branch in Brussels, with Ian Forrester KC as its president.

A former judge in the EU court in Luxembourg, his other cases include the landmark Bosman ruling in which he argued on behalf of UEFA.

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Speaking at the launch of EMiS Brussels Mr Forrester said: “Brexit damaged us. There is no aspect of Scottish life which has been helped by Brexit.

“With the setting up of EMiS Brussels, we are starting to bridge the Brexit gap between Scotland and Europe. Many Scots who live and work here intimately understand the enormous contribution the EU brought to Scottish and UK life. We profoundly believe in a Europe united for democracy, peace, security and prosperity. We think Scots do also.”

In the 2016 Brexit referendum, Scotland voted by 62% to 38% to remain in the EU, with polls showing up to 70% in favour of rejoining.

In July a poll by YouGov found voters in Denmark, Germany, Spain, Italy and France would be in favour of an independent Scotland joining the European Union.

The poll also found that voters in those countries would be in favour of the UK rejoining, albeit in lower numbers.

David Martin, President of EMiS and a former Labour party Member of the European Parliament (MEP) said: “The creation of this new Scottish group in Brussels is a wholly positive and progressive event. The failures of Brexit run deep and affect everyone in Scotland, every business, every community. It is wonderful that Scots in Brussels are leading the way in rekindling the ties between Scotland and Europe.”

Alyn Smith, a former SNP MEP and a vice-President of EMiS said: “In my last speech as a Member of the European Parliament, I asked my remaining colleagues from the other 27 member states ‘to keep a light on for Scotland.” The arrival of EMiS Brussels says the flame has never died. It is energising to see Scots based in Europe strengthening the ties between their homeland and Europe. This is a great initiative.”