SNP launch ‘pointless’ fact-finding mission... in Brussels

MINISTERS were yesterday accused of ‘grandstanding’ on Brexit after they arranged an event for the public to find out about their approach to Britain’s EU negotiations – in Brussels.

Michael Russell, the Scottish Government’s Brexit Minister, will fly to the city to host a session on ‘Scotland’s future in Europe’ tomorrow.

Officials said they expect the audience to be around 100 ‘members of the public’ who want to find out about the Scottish Government’s response to Brexit.

Scottish Tory chief whip John Lamont said: ‘After already attempting to hold several meetings with senior officials from around Europe, this looks like yet another pointless event.

‘Instead of grandstanding, the SNP should try to work with the UK Government to make sure that we make the best deal possible from the upcoming negotiations.’

The ‘open-door’ briefing session will be held at Scottish Enterprise’s Scotland House in Brussels’ political district.

It is understood that Mr Russell and Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop will also hold meetings with MEPs while in the city.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Ms Hyslop and Mr Russell will be in Brussels for a series of meetings, after which Mr Russell will host an open-door briefing session setting out the Scottish Government’s position on its future relationship with the EU.’