POLAND’S top diplomat in Scotland has suggested independence could keep Scotland in the EU after Brexit. But he has also told Poles here that they should now consider returning to their homeland.
Consul General Dariusz Adler believes Nicola Sturgeon was right to postpone a second referendum “at this time” but warned that if Scotland remains part of the UK “we must accept Brexit will happen”.
Poles, numbering more than 100,000 people, are the largest foreign-born group in Scotland and Adler has been their figurehead for four years.
He is a seasoned diplomat having enjoyed stints at consulates in London and Chicago – but Adler said the Brexit vote left him stunned. “I was in shock,” he told the Sunday Herald in an exclusive interview. “It was a shock for myself and for my colleagues and friends. It was a huge surprise for us. We had our first meeting with diplomatic staff two days after the vote because it was a dramatic situation. It was a very hard time for diplomatic staff and for Poles.
“We still don’t understand the decision but of course it was the decision of the people and we absolutely have to accept it.
“We now have one thousand questions about Brexit and what it means for the Poles. We don’t know the consequences of Brexit for our people. We don’t have enough information."
Under the UK Government’s plans EU migrants who have been in the UK for more than five years will be asked to apply for so-called “settled status” – but there is uncertainty over the application process and the "cut-off" date for this five-year period.
Adler hopes that these proposals will change over the course of talks between UK and EU negotiators in the coming months.
He said: “For us it would be better if residency was automatic. The process that has been set out is not easy for us. But you must also remember that more than three million Brits are living in the EU now and the UK government must secure settled status for this group.
“For us Poles an automatic process would absolutely be better. We’re not there yet but it can be negotiated. I think a deal [between the UK and the EU] can be struck. It is possible. But we have to cross our fingers.”
Adler also warned of the danger of a Hard Brexit to Scotland’s fragile economy. He said: “A big question is how Brexit will impact on the Scottish economy. We don’t know. What we know one hundred per cent is a Hard Brexit [leaving the EU without a deal in place] will have a negative impact on the Scottish economy.”
Adler pointed to Scottish independence as an “option” that could see Scotland remain in the EU.
He said: “If Scotland is still part of the UK I think we must accept Brexit will happen. If the situation is different, well, this is one of the options. The question is whether the independence option is better for Scotland. But if Scotland wants to have a better relationship with the EU than other parts of the UK, I don’t know how unless there is independence.
“I think it was a good decision by the First Minister to postpone a second independence referendum at this time. But it is still an option.”
Adler also praised Nicola Sturgeon for offering reassurances to EU migrants in the days and weeks after the UK voted for Brexit.
Speaking on June 24, the First Minister said: “I want to take the opportunity this morning to speak directly to citizens of other European countries living here in Scotland – you remain welcome here, Scotland is your home and your contribution is valued.”
Adler said: “That was a very important signal for members of the Polish community. We feel that the Scottish Government is open to us and wants to secure our future in Scotland. The Scottish Government has been good at briefing us, step by step, about what they know will be happening in future, in terms of the discussions they’re having with Westminster and other parts of the UK. The Scottish Government is listening to our concerns and trying to answer our questions. That cooperation is very positive.”
But when asked if he would now advise Polish people to migrate to Scotland, he said: “This is a difficult question. The Polish consulate, we would prefer now that Poles stay in Poland. A lot of Poles left Poland after we joined the EU but now it is a different country.
“Actually we would like to welcome Poles back to Poland, if they can come back. We need hands to work. Poland is open for Poles.”
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