Scotland analysis: Devolution and the implications for Scottish independence

The first paper in the UK government's Scotland analysis series, which looks at Scotland’s place in the UK and how it contributes to and benefits from being part of the UK.

Alongside this paper, the government also published an independent expert legal opinion from leading experts on international law. The opinion concluded that, in the event of a vote for independence, Scotland would become a ‘successor state’. It would therefore be required to create a new set of domestic and international arrangements. The remainder of the United Kingdom would be the ‘continuator state’ and would not have to negotiate new treaties or memberships of international organisations because, as the continuing state, the remainder of the UK would be largely unaffected under international law.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: British jurists: independent Scotland would lose EU status http://www.europeansources.info/record/british-jurists-independent-scotland-would-lose-eu-status/

United Kingdom: Scotland Office: Press Release, 11.02.13: Factual analysis promised as legal implications of Scottish independence made clear https://www.gov.uk/government/news/factual-analysis-promised-as-legal-implications-of-scottish-independence-made-clear

United Kingdom, Scotland: The Scottish Government: News Release, 17.02.13: Prof Andrew Scott to advise on European engagement http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/02/European-engagement-adviser17022013

United Kingdom: Scotland Office: Statement, 11.02.13: Devolution and the implications of Scottish independence https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/devolution-and-the-implications-of-scottish-independence

United Kingdom: Scotland Office: Policies: Informing the debate on Scotland's constitutional future https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/informing-the-debate-on-scotlands-constitutional-future

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