ddt
Mafia Penguin
Can anyone who knows about Belgian politicians tell me if this appointment is indicative of strong support for the Scottish government's pro-EU stance? And if so, how that might be translated into practical effect during the Article 50 process, if and when that is ever initiated by the Theresa May administration in Westminster.
Guy Verhofstadt certainly has experience with cutting up a country and getting a supermajority for it in parliament.
He's certainly a heavyweight, and above all, he's a very passionate European. He'll be very sympathetic to Scottish wishes they want to remain in the EU. He's also passionate about human rights, unlike the Conservatives. Show him some of the Tory agit-prop against the ECHR and he'll likely fume out of his ears, nose and mouth. Yes, I know that's not EU business but it may also be a factor in how he views the Westminster government vs. Holyrood.
Here's his speech in the EP on the Brexit referendum:
And a classic is his rant against the British member of the Fisheries committee:
So the answer is clearly: yes, this is good news for Scotland. But he can't work wonders, so better also work on your Irish insurance policy.