Russell frustrated by latest talks on EU Withdrawal Bill

Scotland’s Brexit minister has described the latest meeting with the UK Government as “very frustrating”.

Mike Russell and Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney held talks last night with David Lidington, Theresa May’s defacto deputy, and Scottish Secretary David Mundell.

But after the meeting in Edinburgh, Mr Russell said the Scottish Government could not recommend legislative consent for the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.

He described the event as “a useful opportunity” to impress the Scottish Parliament’s unanimous view the Bill is incompatible with devolution.

He said that both he and Mr Swinney found the discussion “very frustrating”.

Mr Russell said: “The UK Government has rejected Scottish and Welsh Government amendments that would protect devolution but, despite its previous commitment, has failed to bring forward any solution of its own.

“Despite many meetings, once again the UK ministers arrived and left without putting words on the table to allow for a meaningful discussion.

“So we are still in the position that the Scottish Government cannot and will not recommend that the Bill should receive legislative consent.”

The talks, which were held at the Scottish Parliament, came with the Conservative Government and devolved administrations in a stand-off over the Brexit Bill, as both Edinburgh and Cardiff will not consent unless changes are made.

Mr Russell had made clear the Scottish Government was looking for action from Westminster.