The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
More openness over Brexit talks urged
Scottish Government writes to the new Defra secretary seeking greater dialogue and transparency
The Scottish Government has called on new Defra Secretary Michael Gove to provide greater dialogue and transparency over his department’s Brexit negotiations.
Meetings between the UK Government and Scottish ministers have been cancelled by Defra at short notice over the past year, meaning only two ministerial meetings have taken place since January.
In a letter to Mr Gove, Scotland’s Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing and Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham demanded a greater say in discussions.
Mr Ewing said: “We have been very clear throughout this process that the devolved administrations must be considered equal partners in the negotiations and we expect genuine engagement in the process. It is simply unacceptable to have UK Ministers unilaterally cancelling meetings, which involve four partners at short notice and without consultation.
“Brexit affects us all, with Scottish agriculture and rural communities particularly reliant on the EU for investment, labour and financial support. I also want to be clear that the UK Government must not give away permanent access to Scottish waters as part of any trade deals.
“Our ministerial meetings have a key role to play in this process, and we are calling on UK Government ministers to fulfil their commitment to regular and practical dialogue on these matters.”
Ms Cunningham said the lack of engagement from the UK Government must not be allowed to continue.
“We have said before we want to see a new, more inclusive approach from the UK Government, with the process opened up to more voices and more parties and to all four nations of the UK.
“The Prime Minister must therefore include the Scottish Government at the Brexit negotiating table so we can raise the various pressing concerns, some of which have been outstanding for some time, that are critical to discussions on EU exit.
“Not least among our concerns is the retention of influence over EU energy and environmental policies and the setting of climate change targets, and we will be continuing to press the UK Government for clarity.”