The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Man on mission as Russell takes up fight for Brexit deal
Sturgeon appoints MSP to ensure ‘Scotland’s voice heard clearly’
Argyll and Bute MSP Michael Russell has been appointed Scotland’s new Brexit minister by Nicola Sturgeon.
The first minister announced that the former Cabinet secretary will be returning to government to ensure “Scotland’s voice is heard loudly and clearly” during the UK-wide negotiations to leave the EU.
The MSP, who has represented Argyll and Bute since 2011, said he was “delighted” to take up the role and insisted he was “absolutely focused on the importance of the EU to Scotland’s economy and our people”.
TheUKGovernment has yet to trigger Article 50 – the process for leaving the EU – despite the UK-wide vote to quit the continental block on June 23.
While the UK as a whole voted to break with Brussels, most Scots – along with the Northern Irish and Londoners – voted Remain.
Announcing the appointment yesterday, Ms Sturgeon said: “By putting a dedicated and experienced minister at their centre, it will ensure Scotland’s voice is heard loudly and clearly. I am confident that Michael Russell will make strong and constructive representation to the UK Government throughout this process.
“In the period ahead of Article 50 being triggered, influencing the UK position will be crucial to our efforts to protect Scotland’s interests and our relationship with Europe, especially the single market.”
Mr Russell was previously minister for environment from 2007 until 2009 andthen served as minister for culture, external affairs and the constitution before moving to the role of Cabinet secretary for education which he held until 2014.
He said: “While the UK Government is obviously still very unclear about what kind of relationship it wants with the European Union, the Scottish Government is absolutely focused on the importance of the EU to Scotland’s economy and our people. Those priorities will be at the heart of our approach to the negotiations.
“Following the overwhelming vote in Scotland to remain in the EU, it is essential that Scotland comes together to defend our national interest. Accordingly in these discussions, it is important that the nation speaks, asmuch as possible, with one voice. I will therefore want to listen and learn from the widest range of individuals, communities, organisations and companies about their hopes and fears for the future.”
Earlier this week, the first minister also announced she would convene a new Cabinet subcommittee to oversee and direct all work on EU-related matters.
The new minister, who will report directly to the first minister, is expected to attend the second meeting of the EU Standing Council at the First Minister’s invitation next week. the UK, the vast majority of whom who are from Europe.
“The initiatives, the criticality of the European arrestwarrant, our ability to share intelligence through Europol, the fact that we have a dedicated officer who worksin Europol so they can make contact with all key partners such as the Spanish, the Dutch, and as one individual provide a conduit for the whole organisation.
“So there will be consequences. Clearly if we are going to move from Europe and there are changes to free movement of capital and free movement of people and workers, that inevitably will have implications for policing.
“We’re not just sitting there wondering what might happen – we’re developing contingency plans.”