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UK publishes legal opinion on independent Scotland

February 11, 2013 | Modified: February 11, 2013 at 7:31 am
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LONDON (AP) — A British government report says an independent Scotland would need to renegotiate its relationship with international organizations such as the European Union.

The British government on Monday published a legal opinion on what would happen if Scotland votes for independence in a 2014 referendum.

The 57-page report from Professors James Crawford and Alan Boyle sets out opinions on bodies from the European Union to Interpol.

They found that overwhelming precedent suggests Scotland will become a new state while the remainder of the U.K. will continue to hold its previous position and would not have to renegotiate existing treaties or re-apply for membership of international organizations.

If Scotland votes for independence it will end more than 300 years of political union with England.