Practicality will be key to Brexit deal

The First Minister is right to fight for Scotland’s best interests, but she must also be ready to compromise

IT is not often that we hear much optimism from those involved in discussions between the UK and Scottish Governments. This is hardly surprising – the Conservatives at Westminster and the SNP at Holyrood have, after all, very little in common.

But Scottish Secretary David Mundell has dared indulge in an uncommon bout of positivity when it comes to talks over the Brexit bill.

Interviewed on the BBC’S Sunday Politics programme, yesterday, Mr Mundell said the UK government was “very close” to reaching an agreement over which powers should be repatriated to Scotland after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union in 2019.

Whether the SNP at Holyrood is quite as upbeat about matters remains to be seen, but Mr Mundell’s remarks should certainly focus the First Minister’s mind.

Nicola Sturgeon had expected the result of the EU referendum to give the case for Scottish independence a lift; Scots infuriated by a result dictated by English voters would turn against the UK, went the logic.

We now know that Brexit boost did not materialise, at least not at this stage. A majority of Scots may have voted in favour of the UK remaining in the EU, but a majority also remains opposed to independence.

This being so, Ms Sturgeon will be playing a risky game if she is seen not to be dealing with the UK government in good faith.

Regardless of positions on last year’s referendum result, surely all involved in Scottish politics would agree that, if Brexit is to happen, then Scotland will not benefit from unnecessary fighting between Westminster and Holyrood.

The First Minister should, of course, fight hard for the very best deal for Scotland but she must also be willing to compromise.

Nicola Sturgeon’s instinct after the EU referendum was to lash out hard at a UK government in chaos. That was entirely the correct political play. But now a more collegiate approach may be required.

Polls repeatedly show that among those who voted Remain last year a great many are in favour of Brexit being seen through. This being so, the First Minister risks irritating usually sympathetic voters if she is seen as being unduly obstructive.

The Scotsman has often shared Nicola Sturgeon’s reservations about the wisdom of Brexit but if ever there was a time for her to pragmatically try to make the best of a bad lot, this is it.