Starting now! We'll be live-tweeting this webinar from @euromovescot, chaired by @marklazarowicz and featuring @KirstyS_Hughes, @JamesKerLindsay, Dr. Barbara Lippert, @tobiaslock, and moderated by Ronnie Clancy QC. https://twitter.com/euromovescot/status/1349041502001967105

In addition to the European Movement in Scotland, this has been jointly organised by the Scottish Centre on European Relations ( @SCER_eu) and the Faculty of Advocates ( @FacultyScot).

Starting with @tobiaslock talking about the legal aspects and process of accession. Important to note the need to respect and promote the values of the European Union, as have also been outlined in the @euromovescot pledge.

Discussion of the need to comply with the EU acquis - the laws and obligations of the EU Member States. Risk here is that divergence from European standards on matters such as food standards or - topically - pesticides could imperil this.

On timescales @tobiaslock notes that there are extremes on either end, with Austria, Sweden and Finland taking less than two years, while others took many times that.

Re divergence: "The longer Scotland is outside the EU, the longer it might take for it to find its way back in."

The UK Internal Market Bill is highlighted as a particular risk - an excellent thread on the UKIM here from @mdouganlpool: https://twitter.com/mdouganlpool/status/1305211234648760325?s=20

Now hearing from Dr. Barbara Lippert. First point is on attitudes towards enlargement in the EU Member States - varies from state to state, with Ireland and Germany being noted as some of the more positive, while France and the Netherlands are less so.

Highlights that it's important what narrative Scotland establishes about its accession, and how it seeks to engage as a European nation.

Dr. Lippert says that Scotland would receive a largely positive response, with some caveats.

There will be a cost-benefit analysis in the capitals of the 27 Member States - not just on how Scotland would contribute economically, but also on whether we would be a progressive and cooperative influence in the EU.

About to hear from @JamesKerLindsay shortly.

Talking about Cyprus: noted that when it was acceding Turkey talked very aggressively. Says that UK opposition could be a factor, though to a lesser degree.

However, EU takes a very strong stance that third countries - as the UK now is, sadly - do not get to dictate who joins.

The notion of needing to queue to get in thoroughly debunked by @JamesKerLindsay - points out that that's not even remotely how it operates, as accession is legal process for each country, not a line of applicants seen one at a time.

Again highlighting the risks of divergence making Scottish accession more difficult.

With regards to Spain, @JamesKerLindsay points out that the common notion that it would oppose Scottish EU membership has little grounding in reality, as Spain has previously recognised states' independence. Would only happen if Scotland's was brought about unconstitutionally.

Just had it pointed out to me that I've been forgetting hashtags, so let's rectify that from here on out: #ScotlandInEurope #WeWillBeBack

@KirstyS_Hughes says that it must be remembered that the EU is fundamentally about cooperation in Europe, and that Scotland rejoining the EU could be seen as a "positive European story".

Notes that though there are differing attitudes - and not just that, but differing degrees of interest - there is a degree of warmth towards the prospect of Scottish EU membership.

#ScotlandInEurope #WeWillBeBack

Absolutely important that there be a consensual, legal process towards independence. Necessary for international recognition, and critical to any prospect of accession.

#ScotlandInEurope #WeWillBeBack

On to Q&A. Questions over currency. EU has never admitted a country without its own currency.

Variety of views from panellists. @JamesKerLindsay says Kosovo and Montenegro "Euroised" - use Euro outwith EU. Is this an option for Scotland?

#ScotlandinEurope #WeWillBeBack

@KirstyS_Hughes Why is there negative attitude towards the Euro? Ireland adopted Euro and is often compared to Scotland.

Discussion on currency and Euro needs to be more pro Euro.

#ScotlandinEurope #WeWillBeBack

Question on whether Spain or France might block accession. @tobiaslock says it hinges on whether independence is done in such a way as it is recognised internationally. Therefore need consent of UK to the process.

#ScotlandinEurope #WeWillBeBack

Barbara Lippert says Scottish politicians must engage with European ones in the reasons for independence and the how they see the future of the Scottish nation.

@JamesKerLindsay says UK must allow independence so Scotland is member of UN.

#ScotlandinEurope #WeWillBeBack

Thankyou to all speakers and sponsors and to @euromovescot for organising. Thankyou
@marklazarowicz @tobiaslock @KirstyS_Hughes @SCER_eu @JamesKerLindsay Barbara Lippert and to Ronnie Clancy for moderating.
#ScotlandinEurope #WeWillBeBack