Russell warns of ‘chaotic’ Brexit

Staying in Europe’s single market and the customs union is the only “credible plan” to avoid the “twin disasters” of a no-deal Brexit or a so-called blind Brexit, the Scottish Government has insisted.

With six months to go until the UK formally leaves the European Union (EU), Scottish constitutional relations secretary Mike Russell criticised Tory leaders at Westminsterovertheir“chaotic,disastrous” departure plans.

Prime Minister Theresa May is still to win EU support for her Chequers proposals – which have also divided the Tories, with hardline Brexiteers arguing they do not go far enough.

The Scottish Government has repeatedly argued the case for staying in the single market and customs union, claiming this would cause the least damage to jobs and the economy.

With voters north of the Border having backed staying part of the EU, Mr Russell said the majority of Scots were still opposed to Brexit.

Despite this, he said Holyrood ministers had “offered compromise after compromise” to the UK government during its Brexit preparations, but that this had “so far, all been refused”.