SCOTLAND’S Brexit Minister Mike Russell has urged the UK Government to reconsider its support for a hard Brexit as he prepares to meet representatives this week.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee, which is meant to oversee the EU/UK negotiations, Russell said he would like to see positive developments including a recognition of the importance of single market membership as well as on a willingness to consider changes to the EU Withdrawal Bill.
It will be the first JMC session since January, and since Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones published a list of demands designed to ensure the devolution settlements are protected as the UK leaves the EU.
They believe the bill in its current format is a “power grab” and have said they will not recommend parliamentary consent to it be given in Edinburgh and Cardiff unless it is substantially changed.
“I hope progress can be made on a number of fronts – for example on recognising the importance of single market membership and amending the EU Withdrawal Bill so the Scottish Parliament can give it consent,” Russell said ahead of the meeting.
“While progress in EU talks has been slow and recently described as being in deadlock, I hope next week’s European Council will set us on the track to a real step forward in December, and we are keen to play a supportive role.
“But this will require a new approach from the UK Government in three key areas: the future relationship with Europe, the UK negotiation papers, and the EU Withdrawal Bill.
“Firstly, the UK Government must reconsider its hard Brexit position and the disastrous impact it would have on jobs and living standards, and take account of the concerns – shared by Scottish businesses – about the impact of leaving the single market and customs union.
“Secondly, they must start giving the Scottish Government a real opportunity to contribute to policy papers which affect the whole of the UK.
“Finally, on the EU Withdrawal Bill, progress can made if the amendments suggested by the Scottish and Welsh Governments are accepted.
“It is vital, not just to Scotland but for the whole of the UK, that efforts are redoubled to deliver a breakthrough that will secure a deal that limits the damage as much as possible for individuals and businesses and which protects devolution.”
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