‘Give Scots a voice in Brexit talks’

MP Gavin Newlands has demanded Scottish Government input during Brexit talks.

The SNP politician branded the decision not to offer Holyrood ministers a seat at the negotiating table a“democratic outrage”.

He slammed Theresa May for “treating the Scottish people with contempt”by freezing Holyrood out of discussions at prime minister’s questions.

The Paisley and Renfrewshire North member says the First Minister should join the debate after a failed Tory general election candidate was appointed to the Scotland Office.

Mr Newlands said:“It is estimated that a hard Brexit could cost 80,000 Scottish jobs and cost each individual £2,000.

“That’s why it’s vitally important that the Prime Minister fully involves the Scottish Government during the Brexit negotiations — something that the Scottish Chamber of Commerce called for yesterday.

“Instead of appointing failed Tory candidates to positions of power, she should guarantee the democratically elected Scottish Government a seat during the Brexit negotiations, helping to ensure that Scotland’s interests are protected.”

Ms May has appointed Tory MEP Ian Duncan as a peer and Scotland Office minister, and asked him to be involved in negotiations.

He was beaten to the Perth and North Perthshire seat by the SNP’s Pete Wishart in the recent general election.