Secession as a Point of Leverage (II)

LONDON/BERLIN (Own report) – Scotland has established an investment center in Berlin, thereby reinforcing its economic ties to the EU and causing – with German support – new tension in Great Britain. According to critics, in its intended secession from the United Kingdom, for which it must establish economic security, the Scottish government is relying on German help. In fact, to increase the pressure on London to achieve the “softest” Brexit possible, Berlin and Germany’s regional governments are going out of their way to strengthen relations with Edinburgh. This is considered essential to German interests. Government advisors in Berlin are recommending using Ireland for obtaining influence in the negotiations concerning the borders between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland. In the event of a “hard” Brexit, this border would be a particularly sensitive point. Berlin is also using EU foreigners, residing in the United Kingdom, as an additional bargaining chip. Chancellor Angela Merkel has refused to have their rights of residence clarified beforehand.

Scottish independence: Scottish government officials meet with Nato

A meeting was held last month between Scottish government officials and Nato to discuss membership of the alliance in the event of independence.

The talks were held at Nato’s headquarters in Brussels.

Royal Navy pulls out of Nato commitments

DEFENCE ministers have admitted the UK has been forced to pull out of key Nato naval defence groups in a sign of just how stretched the Royal Navy has become.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has acknowledged it has not provided a frigate or destroyer for Nato’s maritime group defending the North and East Atlantic since 2009.

Britain mulling sovereignty claim over Scottish nuke base: report

Britain’s leaders are examining proposals to claim sovereignty over the military base in Scotland which houses its Trident nuclear deterrent if the Scottish people vote for independence next year, the Guardian reported Thursday.

The Scottish National Party (SNP), which leads the Scottish Parliament, has promised to get rid of all nuclear weapons if it secures a ‘yes’ vote in the independence referendum which will take place in September 2014.