EDINBURGH: Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Sunday said she would want Scotland to be a European Union member but not adopt the euro if it ever became independent.

But Sturgeon said it may have to be a “phased approach” and Scotland could initially join the European Free Trade Association along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Speaking to the BBC, Sturgeon said Scotland may also urged voters to choose her Scottish National Party in next month’s general election to help make Scotland’s voice hear in upcoming Brexit negotiations.

“If Scotland is independent... we want Scotland to be a full member of the European Union,” she said, adding: “We don’t want to go into the euro. No member of the EU can be forced into the euro.”—AFP