Latest Brexit talks

22 Feb 2018 12:54 PM

Russell to make the case for Single Market and Customs Union membership.

Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell will emphasise the importance of the European Single Market and Customs Union to Scotland at talks between the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations.

Mr Russell will attend the first Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations since the publication of Scotland’s Place in Europe: People, Jobs and Investment. He will highlight that recent analysis which shows a failure to remain in the Single Market or secure a free trade agreement would see Scotland’s GDP around £12.7 billion lower by 2030 than it would be under continued EU membership.

The talks will also cover the EU Withdrawal Bill and the Minister will again reiterate that the Scottish Government is unable to recommend parliament approve the legislation as it stands as it allows the UK Government to unilaterally take control of devolved powers.

Mr Russell said:

“There is no doubt in my mind that the best option for Scotland is to remain within the EU but failing that, retaining our place in the European Single Market and Customs Union is essential and I will be emphasising this again to the UK Government.

“We recently published analysis that clearly sets out the damaging impact a hard Brexit will have on jobs, investment and the economy in Scotland - a loss equivalent to £2,300 per year for each person in Scotland.

“This is an economic disaster we must avoid. I will be using the Joint Ministerial Committee, where we expect an update on negotiations with the EU, to highlight this, and will set out the need once again for the Scottish Government to have a meaningful role in the negotiations so that we can protect Scotland’s jobs and the economy.

“With regard to the EU Withdrawal Bill, I will be making it abundantly clear that we need to see further progress on safeguarding devolution. We are not opposed to UK-wide frameworks, when they are in Scotland’s interest, but devolved powers can only be changed with the agreement of the Scottish Parliament. Failing that commitment from the UK Government, we will be unable to recommend consent to this  legislation.”