MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Scottish minister wants greater involvement in the UK Brexit process
Michael Russell told the British Irish Association conference in Cambridge that the views of the devolved governments have been ignored. Scotland's Brexit minister has called for a “radical shift” in how the UK government deals with the devolved nations. Michael Russell urged greater involvement from the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish administrations in the Brexit process claiming Scottish ministers have not been consulted on several key papers.
The UK government said the level of engagement on Brexit was “unprecedented”.
The Joint Ministerial Committee, which provides a forum for the various administrations to discuss Brexit, has not met since February, although a meeting has now been scheduled for the autumn.
Mr Russell told the British Irish Association conference in Cambridge that the views of the devolved governments have been ignored.
He said: “All of the constituent nations and peoples of these islands will be harmed by a hard Brexit that sees the UK, including Northern Ireland, outside the single market and customs union, while Ireland and the rest of the EU are on the other side.
”What we need is for the UK government to admit this reality and stand up to those who would see the economy go off a cliff edge.
“The Brexit negotiations have made abundantly clear that we need a radical shift in how inter-governmental relationships are managed between the UK and the devolved nations.”
The UK government rejected Russell's criticism. A spokesman said: “The level of engagement on this issue has been unprecedented, including meetings with ministers, officials, businesses and groups across the nations.
”The Bill and White Paper were both shared in advance of publication.
“Since the election, ministers and officials continue to be in close contact with the devolved administrations.”
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rules-
-
-
Read all commentsThey may want greater involvement but can they be trusted to do the right thing by the UK and not just Scotland
Sep 12th, 2017 - 06:26 am 0Conversely, can the UK (English) government be trusted to do the right thing for the devolved countries. Past history would indicate otherwise.
Sep 12th, 2017 - 08:57 am 0Interesting that he says the Bill and White Paper were shared in advance of publication, but not that they asked for the devolved governments' input or opinion. Is that his idea of engagement?
Sep 12th, 2017 - 09:53 am 0I think it's a very shortsighted view. If Westminster would pass some of the powers we'll get back from the EU on to the devolved governments, they could probably get them at least partially on side. As for doing the right thing for the UK, that is the UK government's job. They should take account of the wishes of the devolved governments and try and find a compromise if necessary.
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!