“We remain Scottish, British and European before and after Brexit” – Corriere.it

in the period Scotland we celebrate Burns Night. Rabbi Burns is our great poet, a man who translated his immense passion for life into verses of incomparable wit and intensity. Usually, but unfortunately not this year, we meet for dinner together haggis, drink whiskey and recite the lines of our famous poet. Burns Night is an extraordinary event for Scots and their descendants around the world. It is a celebration not only of the poet but of the true meaning of being Scottish. So I invite you to toast (strictly with whiskey) not only our most exported product, but also the deep bonds of friendship between Scotland and the countries of the European Union.

NS UK left theThe European Union, But it remains an outward-looking global nation, always European and with strong ties to our neighbors on the continent, with whom we remain friends and allies. Ale’a settlement There is an agreement reached by the UK and the EU on Christmas Eve that covers countless aspects, not just trade, and which lays the groundwork for continuing our cooperation on security, transport, energy, social security and health care. Is. We certainly won’t miss the pleasure of driving Italian cars in the United Kingdom and using thousands of other products from across Europe. And I’m sure you too will continue to enjoy Scotland’s great produce, whether it’s our exceptional seafood, our world-renowned whiskeys or our premium cashmere. Very soon we will be able to tan again on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, and we hope that you too will return to visit our majestic mountains, our enchanting lakes and our magical valleys. Or maybe you’ll come and play a round of golf.

In an article published in this newspaper a few weeks ago, nicola sturgeonThe leader of the Scottish National Separatist Party and the Prime Minister of the Scottish Government has indicated that this may all be coming to an end.

I can assure you it won’t happen.

Nicola Sturgeon argued that, of all UK residents, only Scots share the core values ​​dear to European citizens. This is also not true. In the UK, we all care about the rule of law, democracy, freedom of expression and human rights, like countries in the European Union. We recognize our collective responsibility to care for the environment – ​​and in that sense I look forward to welcoming leaders from Europe and around the world to our beautiful city of Glasgow later this year for the Global Climate Summit. , COP 26, which we organize in collaboration. with Italy. We see ourselves as an integral part of a global community that has much to offer. This has not been changed by the UK’s decision to leave the EU institutions. Strong ties have united Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland for over 300 years. We have a shared culture and history. We have done great things together with our partners at home and in the rest of the world.

The vote to leave the EU was on the line, but it was a democratic and honest decision. Nicola Sturgeon refuses to accept this decision and does not speak on behalf of Scotland, but only to advance her cause: to disband the UK and trample on our shared 300 years of history. I see my future differently.

For Scotland to flourish, it must be at the heart of a prosperous UK which, of course, maintains close ties with the EU based on mutual interests and the core values ​​we share. My message on Burns Night is this: In Scotland we are Scottish, British and European. We can and are all these things at the same time. And we feel proud to have you as a friend.