TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from United Kingdom: National Centre for Social Research, The Week.
UK coverage: TheNational.scot.

A recent YouGov survey has shed light on the European public’s perspective on the UK, and potentially Scotland, rejoining the European Union, revealing a complex landscape of support and skepticism across several EU countries and the UK itself. Conducted between June 12 and 27, 2025, the survey included thousands of voters from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and the UK, uncovering a majority support for the UK to rejoin the EU, with Denmark showing a striking 72% in favor and Germany at 63%. Interestingly, the idea of an independent Scotland joining the EU garnered even stronger support, surpassing 60% in countries like France, Germany, and Spain, though the UK’s support stood at a more modest 46%. However, the survey also highlighted a general reluctance among the respondents to see the UK regain its previous opt-outs and benefits within the EU, suggesting a challenging path ahead should the UK pursue re-entry under its former special conditions. This sentiment is particularly poignant in the wake of Brexit, which has significantly redefined political and social landscapes across the UK and beyond. The National Centre for Social Research and The Week have both contributed insightful articles that delve into the intricacies of this issue, particularly focusing on Scotland’s constitutional debate and the broader implications of Scottish independence. The National Centre for Social Research article, titled ‘How Brexit has changed Scotland’s constitutional debate,’ explores the intertwining of Brexit with public attitudes towards Scottish independence and EU membership. It highlights an increased support for independence among pro-EU individuals, reflecting a significant shift in the debate towards the economic and social consequences of EU membership versus being part of the UK. On the other hand, The Week’s article, ‘The pros and cons of Scottish independence,’ presents a balanced view of the ongoing debate, discussing the potential benefits and challenges of independence, from rejoining the EU to facing economic hurdles and trading issues with the UK. Together, these articles paint a picture of a complex and evolving situation, where public sentiment, political identity, and the consequences of Brexit converge to shape the future of the UK and Scotland’s role within, or alongside, the European Union. As discussions continue and political strategies are devised, the path forward remains uncertain, with many questions about sovereignty, economic stability, and international relationships still unanswered.