The issue raised with me most often over these last few weeks is the European Union referendum and the question of where we go from here. It seems that the most common response from media, politicians and commentators is to say that we are in ‘uncharted waters’; which may as well be code for ‘who knows’! It is now abundantly clear that those who argued for ‘leave’ had no plan if the vote went their way, and most on the ‘remain’ side never thought they would lose.

There are countless scenarios being presented, and given the level of public interest and discussion, it is my intention to promote public forums bringing together speakers with EU and constitutional knowledge to share their views and work on solutions. I believe it is important that we promote discussion and debate around the options available as our country navigates its way through the consequences of Brexit.

I have also lost count on the number of people that have asked me whether I support a second referendum on independence. My response is that I would not oppose such a referendum. I accept the SNP were clear in their manifesto that the Scottish Parliament would have the right to hold another referendum if there was a ‘significant and material change’ in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken out of the EU against our will.

However a second referendum on independence, in the current circumstances of Brexit, is a very different proposition from that of 2014. We do not know at this point what a UK out of Europe will look like. It is difficult to assess what will be in the best interests of the people of Scotland, but we can set some guiding principles. These should include what is best in terms of our economy and jobs, pensions and dignity in retirement, free high quality education, health and public services, and the safety and security of our nation.

The new Government in London is mainly focussed on access to the free market, and whatever deal secured on trade will no doubt determine what Brexit looks like in practice. But we should bear in mind that in terms of Scotland’s trade arrangements, 64% of our trade is with the rest of the UK, 15% with the EU and 20% with the rest of the world. So whilst having trade barriers/tariffs with the EU need to be avoided, this should not come at the cost of losing free trade with the rest of the UK, which would be far more damaging for Scotland’s economy and jobs.

There are also major issues to be considered around currency, which has implications for trade and also for meeting any conditions of being part of the EU outwith the rest of the UK. We need look no further than Italy and Greece to see the severe austerity that has been imposed from the European Central Bank on those countries when they failed to meet the Stability and Growth Pact rules.

So whilst those who romanticise about an independent Scotland may not want to dwell on the nuts and bolts of what Scotland leaving the UK whilst remaining within the EU would mean for the Scottish economy, jobs, pensions, public services or defence and security; the emergence of Brexit makes getting answers to these questions crucial.

That said, I do not believe the current constitutional settlement within the UK is sustainable or effective, and so I will make the case in the coming months for a more federal structure and a stronger voice for Scotland within the UK and in the world.