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Scottish rural ministers demand seat at Brexit negotiating table

Fergus Ewing
Fergus Ewing

Scotland’s rural and environment ministers Fergus Ewing and Roseanna Cunningham have demanded a seat at the Brexit negotiating table.

They insisted fresh transparency was also needed, following the last-minute cancellation of Brexit meetings by new UK rural affairs minister Michael Gove.

Environment Secretary Ms Cunningham confirmed only two of the monthly meetings on farming issues and Brexit had taken place this year.

She said: “We expect regular and substantive dialogue on a range of Brexit issues and the disappointing lack of engagement from the UK Government thus far must not be allowed to continue.

“We have said before that we want to see a new, more inclusive approach from the UK Government, with the process opened up to more voices and more parties and to all four nations of the UK.

“The Prime Minister must therefore include the Scottish Government at the Brexit negotiating table, so we can raise the various pressing concerns, some of which have been outstanding for some time, that are critical to discussions on EU exit.”

Ms Cunningham set out her concerns on influence over EU energy and environmental policies and the setting of climate change targets.

Rural Economy Secretary Mr Ewing added: “We have been very clear throughout this process that the devolved administrations must be considered equal partners in the negotiations and we expect genuine engagement in the process.

“It is simply unacceptable to have UK Ministers unilaterally cancelling meetings, which involve four partners at short notice and without consultation.

“Brexit affects us all, with Scottish agriculture and rural communities particularly reliant on the EU for investment, labour and financial support.”