As things stand, an independent Scotland would not be part of the EU and would need to re-apply to join. Barroso said that it would not be a foregone conclusion that they would be allowed back in.
John Swinney on The World At One called Barroso's comments "preposterous". He ought really to address the issue of why Barroso would make such comments, especially if they are so obviously "preposterous".
An opinion on the pound has been given by the people responsible for the pound. An opinion on membership of the EU has been given by the head of the EU Commission.
But as these opinions don't suit the political needs of the SNP, they are simply called "preposterous". What's preposterous is that the idea that these things can all be assumed to fall out in the wash.
> "The Spanish Foreign Minister said if there is an agreed process within the United Kingdom by which Scotland becomes an independent country then Spain has nothing to say about the whole issue.
> "That indicates to me quite clearly that the Spanish government will have no stance to take on the question of Scottish membership of the European Union."
No, sorry, that does not follow. Spain may rightfully have nothing to say about the agreed process within the United Kingdom by which Scotland becomes an independent country. That does not mean that Spain (or any of the other EU member states) would have nothing to say about Scotland joining the EU. They will have a vote on it. The results of that vote cannot be assumed as a foregone conclusion.