Scotland must be treated as full partner in process.

Date: 19/01/17
Article Source: http://news.gov.scot/news/jmc-meeting-on-brexit

Speaking after the latest meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on Brexit, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell said:

“I made it absolutely clear at today’s meeting that Scotland must not be treated with contempt but as an equal partner in the negotiating process.

“The people of Scotland overwhelmingly rejected a hard Brexit and it is absolutely crucial that this is respected to avoid an economic catastrophe.

“We need to see clear evidence from the UK government that they will take forward the objective of keeping Scotland in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves, and time is running out for them to do so.

“There was agreement in the meeting today to undertake further detailed work on that objective and I look forward to that process.

“It is extremely disappointing that the Prime Minister chose to disregard the process and make a significant announcement about her position two days before the JMC even considered our paper. It is now clear that single market membership for the whole of the UK is no longer an option and this is hugely disappointing.

“However, there are other options set out in our paper Scotland’s Place in Europe and our focus now is to ensure the UK Government takes seriously our objective of keeping Scotland in the European Single Market.

“They need to demonstrate that this is the case because the clock is ticking. The views and economic interests of the people of Scotland cannot be disregarded and brushed aside.”