Russell returns from backbenches to take ‘Brexit Minister’ role
MIKE Russell was named as Nicola Sturgeon’s ‘Brexit Minister’ yesterday, less than two years after she dumped him from the frontbench.
Mr Russell was relegated to the backbenches after the independence referendum, bringing to an end his role as Education Secretary that saw teacher numbers slashed, college budgets cut and a fall in the number of Scots going to university.
But he is now back in the fold as ‘Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe’, with a task to focus on ensuring the best interests of Scotland are represented in Westminster Brexit negotiations.
In a 2006 book that he co-authored, Grasping The Thistle, Mr Russell wrote that ‘the best way forward for our involvement with Europe should be in the trading sphere, not through further political integration’.
But yesterday he claimed the Scottish Government ‘is absolutely focused on the importance of the EU to Scotland’s economy and our people’.
Miss Sturgeon said: ‘By putting a dedicated and experienced minister at their centre, it will ensure that 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.’
Mr Russell said: ‘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.’
But Scottish Tory Jackson Carlaw said: ‘Mr Russell will need to explain why the SNP is so desperate to be part of an ever closer political union with Brussels when it appears he doesn’t believe in a word of it.’
Scottish Labour Europe spokesman Lewis Macdonald said: ‘Labour will seek to work constructively with Mike Russell. The first item on the agenda should be a commitment to transparency with the Scottish people, by releasing the minutes of the First Minister’s meetings in Europe.’
It is understood Mr Russell will stand aside as a £20,000 part-time professor at Glasgow University while he remains in government.