Business Chiefs Back Call for Scottish Seat at Brexit Table
BUSINESS CHIEFS BACK CALL FOR SCOTTISH SEAT AT BREXIT TABLE
Business chiefs from across the UK have backed SNP demands for the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to have a seat at the Brexit negotiating table as Tory plans for a hard Brexit continue to unravel.
The calls come after a joint letter from the SNP Government at Holyrood and the Labour Government in Cardiff demanded that the UK Government ensures devolved governments are represented in Brexit talks. This is despite the Labour Shadow Scottish Secretary being unable to confirm if this was the Labour position in Scotland.
CBI leaders from across the UK have highlighted, in an open letter, outlined on the front page of today’s Herald, the need to give the SNP Government and the other devolved administrations a seat at the table to ensure that Scottish interests are put at the heart of Brexit negotiations.
Commenting, Patricia Gibson said:
“This is a serious and significant intervention from business leaders, which must be listened to and acted on by the UK Government.
“Ever since the EU referendum last June, the SNP Government has called on the UK Government to include the devolved administrations in Brexit talks. Given the result of last week’s election, it has become more vital than ever to ensure there is a four-nation approach.
“The CBI is absolutely right; in order to ensure that Scottish jobs and industries are protected in these key Brexit talks, the SNP Government must be represented throughout the negotiations.
“Despite Scottish Labour’s complete and utter paralysis on the issue and inability to say whether they support the joint position of the SNP Scottish Government and the Labour Welsh Government, it is clear that this is the only way to have Scotland’s voice heard as the UK leaves the EU.
“The Tories in Scotland should also back these calls. If they fails to do so, it will be further proof that Ruth Davidson will do anything Theresa May tells her to and underline the fact that the Tories continue to hold Scotland’s interests in complete contempt.”
