§ Lord Garel-Jonesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the event of a declaration of independence by the Scottish Parliament, membership of the European Union would remain vested in the United Kingdom Government at Westminster; and [HL3364]
What their position would be with regard to an application by an independent Scotland for membership of the European Union. [HL3365]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office (Lord Sewel)These are entirely hypothetical questions which would only need to be addressed in the context of negotiations leading to the establishment of an independent Scotland, for which the Government have no plans. Since the constitution and international relations will be reserved matters following devolution, the question of Scottish independence and arrangements for the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union will remain a matter for the UK Parliament at Westminster.