EU holds discussions on Scotland’s future in Europe

Discussions on transitional arrangements for an independent Scotland to remain in the EU after the UK leaves are taking place in Brussels, according to a former senior adviser to the European Commission.

Dr Kirsty Hughes told members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) that discussions are taking place about putting Scotland in a “transitional holding pen” after Brexit to avoid “an absurd out and then in process”.

She urged MSPs to hold a second independence referendum by summer 2017 at the latest, if it is judged to be in the best interests of Scotland, to allow the EU to start work on these transitional arrangements.