Business chiefs from across the UK have backed the SNP’s 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 hardline extreme 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 – 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, the need to give the Scottish Government and the other devolved administrations a seat at the table to ensure that their interests are put at the heart of Brexit negotiations.
Commenting, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan said:
“This is a serious and significant intervention from business leaders, which must now be listened to and acted on by the UK Government.
“Ever since the EU referendum last June, the Scottish Government has been calling on the UK Government not to shut out the devolved administrations in Brexit talks – and given the result of last week’s election it has become more vital than ever to ensure there is a four-nation approach to the talks.
“The CBI is absolutely right – in order to ensure that Scottish jobs and industries are protected in these key Brexit talks, the Scottish Government must be represented throughout the negotiations.
“Despite Scottish Labour’s complete and utter 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.
“Ruth Davidson should now back these calls. If she fails to do so, it will be further proof she will do anything Theresa May tells her to, and it will underline the fact that the Tories continue to hold Scotland’s interests in complete contempt.”
