LAST year, I attended the Paris Institute of Political Studies, commonly known as Sciences Po.
Walking down the same corridors that French president Emmanuel Macron and four of his predecessors once did, this young Glaswegian could not help but feel immensely privileged to have had the opportunity to study at Europe’s top school for political science.
What I heard during my time was that Europe most definitely has left a light on for Scotland.
There was genuine affection felt towards our country – not only among the citizenry but the bureaucratic and political establishment too. This should give us confidence in our fight for a Scotland that lives happily in the family of independent European nations, and offer a glimmer of hope for what is to come.
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The Auld Alliance between Scotland and France, dating back to 1295, was described by Charles de Gaulle as “the oldest alliance in the world”. The general, turned president of the republic, declared that “what Frenchmen feel is that no people has ever been more generous than yours with its friendship”.
As well as providing mutual defence guarantees, the pact improved economic ties. Scots were given first pick of the finest Bordeaux wine for export, and we could not get enough of it. (This perhaps explains how I found myself leading the French in “La Marseillaise” in the street following one of their World Cup victories.)
These bonds of friendship and shared challenges endure to this day, and we rival each other only on the rugby pitch. Indeed, one can find a Scottish pub named after the partnership in the lively 4th arrondissement of the city. That a bartender had Saint George’s Cross painted on their face makes one question where allegiances lie. Nevertheless, the pub is a good retreat for Scots abroad and Europeans interested in our culture. The continued interest in our history and traditions shows just how deep-rooted and unbreakable the relationship is.
In October, Scotland’s External Affairs Secretary (above) visited Paris. Alongside the French Veterans Minister, Angus Robertson MSP unveiled a plaque at Les Invalides (the infamous French army complex now devoted to military history) in remembrance of Scottish soldiers who have fought on French soil. Robertson also held meetings with the French Europe Minister, Laurence Boone, and discussed tackling the climate crisis.
I was happy to meet and thank Madame Boone for the French government’s commitment to building upon existing links. That Scotland and France share a common political direction is best evidenced by the 2022 French presidential election results. Emmanuel Macron, a pro-European, progressive centrist (like our First Minister), defeated far-right Frexit candidate Marine le Pen with 58.5% of the vote. This argument is only strengthened when reviewing the results for the consular district of Edinburgh: 91.5% of French citizens voting in Scotland backed Macron.
What political leaders told me
During my time in Paris, I was lucky enough to hear from and speak to several presidents and prime ministers. One leading foreign policy expert told me of his fond memories of a traditional wedding in the Scottish countryside. The Swiss president was keen to express to me his appreciation for the natural beauty of our country. And I spoke to the Lithuanian prime minister after I had researched the contribution of immigrants past (my great-great-grandparents included) and present from her country to the west of Scotland.
It is these memories and associations which we must keep alive to enhance Scotland’s soft power. When meeting one president, I was quickly probed on current Scottish support for the European Union. And when meeting the prime minister of another country, I was surprised by their profound interest in self-determination, which led to discussions of Scottish independence and building a robust social democracy.
Evidently, European leaders have an affinity for Scotland, and many privately support the movement for self-determination and our return to the EU. Look at Macron, for instance. He sent strong signals as a candidate, only to fall silent when assuming office so as to not disrupt the relationship with London.
While we cannot expect European leaders to come out explicitly in favour of Scottish independence, we must push them to support our right to decide our future in a referendum. We can, however, rely on EU nationals to advance our cause – whether that be in their home country, or as residents and students in Scotland.
What citizens told me
I interviewed a 20-year-old Belgian citizen about Brexit. He said: “From the medieval trade between Scottish burghs and Flemish merchants, to the shared civil law tradition, to defending democratic values, the Scots make good Europeans. The Scots have not given up on Europe, and we will not give up on them.”
Following the Section 35 order by Westminster to block the Gender Recognition Reform Bill passed by Holyrood, a 28-year-old German citizen reached out to me. He was absolutely livid. He asked: “How can we call ourselves democrats and accept that the people of Scotland are denied the right to self-government? How can we accept that their elected representatives approve a law that makes society more inclusive, and then the central government refuses to approve it as part of a culture war and political game?”
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Europeans see our pride in our European identity and values. For them, it is only right that Scotland – home to the Enlightenment which pursued ideas of freedom, autonomy and progress – be allowed to determine its own destiny. They have expressed solidarity and it is time we step up our mobilisation efforts and organisational activity with EU nationals – both in Scotland and abroad. We ought to learn lessons from self-governance and independence movements across the continent, especially in places like Catalonia. A good starting point would be to engage more extensively with partners in the European Free Alliance.
My experiences offered me renewed vigour in my fight for Scottish democracy, and they should provide you with optimism that a brighter future as an independent country in the EU is on the horizon. Europe stands ready to embrace us with open arms. They will welcome us home.
Josh Traynor, 20, is the spokesman for St Andrews University Students for Independence and sits on the executive of the SNP in Glasgow Pollok
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