William Hague: Scottish independence would 'diminish' Britain on world stage

William Hague has warned that both Scotland and the remainder of the UK would be “diminished” on the world stage if Alex Salmond wins next year’s independence referendum.

William Hague has spoken out against Scottish independence
William Hague has spoken out against Scottish independence Credit: Photo: AP

The Foreign Secretary said the UK was currently the world’s most effective country at using “soft” diplomatic power to influence global events and further its interests.

But he said the British have to “confront” the fact some of this power would ebb away if Scotland decided to separate, while Scotland would lose its seat on the “top table” of international institutions.

This would hinder efforts on both sides of the Border to improve trade, tackle global poverty and pursue specific campaigns such as the UK’s ongoing efforts to prevent mass rapes in wars, he said.

Speaking in Edinburgh, Mr Hague also warned an independent Scotland would face resistance in its efforts to join the EU on favourable terms from countries with their own separatist movements, such as Spain.

A separate Scotland’s citizens would not have the “comfort” of their government possessing an extensive network of embassies to help them abroad or experienced intelligence and security services to protect their safety at home, he said.

The Foreign Secretary emphasised how Scotland benefits from being part of the world’s sixth largest economy and cited this week’s G8 summit in Northern Ireland as “tangible proof” of the UK’s influence on world events.

Asked what would happen to that power if Scotland decides to separate, Mr Hague said: “I think we would all be diminished. There we are at the moment, number one in the global ranking (for soft power).

“Whether we’re first in the world or second or third, we far outweigh our size in the world through our combined presence and influence, the appreciation of our institutions, our impact on the world.

“If that was to be fragmented, the total sum of that would be less. I think we have to confront that fact.” He said the UK’s ability to tackle a list of global problems “would be diminished if the United Kingdom was diminished.”

He said the UK helps “shape the world we live in” using international institutions, such as its permanent seat on the UN Security Council, something a separate Scotland could not hope to replicate “with the best will in the world”.

For example, Mr Hague said it has taken three decades and the “persistent exertion of bargaining power” to win the UK’s EU opt-outs, including a derogation from the euro, and the £3.2 billion annual rebate.

The SNP can give “no guarantees” a separate Scotland would retain these rights when negotiating EU membership, he said, especially as this would require the assent of all 28 existing member states.

He said countries with separatist movements “would be pretty determined to make sure that the message went out that you don’t come back into the EU on the same terms or the terms that you want or necessarily very quickly”.

Similarly, he suggested a separate Scotland may have difficulties getting Nato membership if Mr Salmond pushed ahead with his threat to remove Britain’s nuclear deterrent from the Clyde.

Mr Hague denied David Cameron’s promise of an EU referendum meant Scots could be more certain of remaining part of Europe if they voted for separation.

Reform of the EU is in Scotland’s interests, he said, before emphasising that he and the Prime Minister would be campaigning to remain a member.

Creating new embassies and intelligence and security networks would place an “enormous burden on the Scottish taxpayer”, he added, but still could not hope to match the high level of security currently provided.