The head of the Scottish government, Humza Yousaf, begins a visit to Brussels on Monday aimed at building relations with the European Union, which the SNP leader wants to one day join at the head of an independent Scotland, writes AFP.

The visit by the new leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) comes two days after his political formation’s independence convention, where he announced that he wants – if he wins the next general election – to pave the way for Scotland’s future EU membership by sending representative in Brussels.

“Scotland was taken out of the EU even though it voted to remain and the UK government’s Brexit deal makes it harder for Scots to travel, work and trade with EU countries,” the 38-year-old separatist leader said. .

“Despite this, Scotland remains resolutely European and committed to strong and fruitful relationships with our neighbors and partners in the European Union,” he added.

Business, diplomatic and political meetings are on the agenda for Humza Yousaf’s first trip abroad since coming to power in late March, according to the Scottish government.

In his first major speech to his troops on Saturday, Humza Yousaf put independence at the heart of the campaign for the next general election due by the end of next year, pledging to seek talks with London. transfer of power to Scotland if his party wins a majority of seats.

Despite repeated refusals from London, Nicola Sturgeon’s successor is keen to be given the chance to hold a new independence referendum, arguing that Brexit has changed the stakes since Scots voted to remain in the UK in 2014.

After the surprise departure of the former prime minister at the start of the year, who cited a lack of “energy” to continue, the SNP’s popularity has plummeted amid a series of revelations in the context of a police investigation. in the finances of the SNP.

In connection with this, Nicola Sturgeon and her husband were placed in custody, but so far they have not been brought to justice. Both deny their guilt. (Agerpress)