The recent European elections weren’t supposed to have happened at all – and only took place because Brexit was postponed.
Turnout was actually up on last time. Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party almost swept the boards south of the Border to heap pressure on whoever becomes the next Tory Prime Minister to break quickly with the EU, with or without a deal.
In Scotland it was a very different picture with the SNP posting an emphatic victory to cement the country’s pro-EU credentials. The Scottish Government last week launched a draft Referendums Bill which, if it becomes law, would grant authority to Scottish Ministers to organise a second independence referendum.
We asked sixth year students at Castle Douglas High School what they think should happen as they prepare to step out into the world?
Jessica McCulloch, 17, is a big fan of Europe. She said: “It’s a good thing to be part of the EU.
“I went on holiday to a German family through links between our schools. It was a great experience to learn about a different culture. I think its very important to keep these kind of exchanges going.”
Erin Brannan, 17, has yet to make her mind up about Scotland’s place in the EU. She said: “If it was going to benefit us I would be all for it. We have always been part of Europe and it makes sense for us to stay. If we want to remain in the EU and England wants to leave, then leaving the UK could be the best option for Scotland.”
Andrew Budde, 18, has a foot in both camps. He said: “I didn’t vote because Brexit meant the chances of it actually counting for anything wasn’t very high.
“I do think the 2014 referendum vote to stay in the UK should be honoured. But I’m kind of split – because if it came down to a choice between Scotland being part of the EU or in the UK outside the EU I would vote out.”
