Holyrood committee makes sixth request to Davis to give evidence

A Holyrood committee has made another request for Brexit Secretary David Davis to give evidence on the UK Government’s position on leaving the EU.

The Europe Committee has written to David Davis for the sixth time inviting him to appear.

It is seeking clarity on the relationship the UK Government is pursuing with the EU, and the impact that would have on people and the economy in Scotland.

In letter to Mr Davis, committee convener Joan McAlpine said: “We believe that it is appropriate for a committee of the Scottish Parliament to have the opportunity to question you, as Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, on the future relationship that you intend to seek with the EU as this is an issue of such importance to Scotland.

“I have written to you previously on 19 July 2016, 2 December 2016, 27 January 2017, 20 September 2017 and 7 December 2017 inviting you to give evidence to us, and I would be grateful if you would reply to us on this occasion.”

The committee has also requested sight of the UK Government’s Brexit briefing paper.

Ministers have agreed to share the analysis with MPs, peers and the devolved administrations on a confidential basis.

However the Scottish Government said it would publish the document even if asked not to do so.

Ms McAlpine said: “I find this deeply disappointing that we have written to him previously on five occasions inviting him to give evidence.”

Joan McAlpine and David Davis.