URGENT economic issues, including how Scotland responds to the UK’s planned exit from the European Union on January 31, will be discussed today in the first of a series of roundtable talks hosted by the Scottish Government.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will chair a meeting of business and economy leaders to discuss the imminent challenge of Brexit as well as Scotland’s response to the UK General Election results. The priorities for responding to the impact of Brexit, the next phase of EU negotiations and the implications for Scotland’s future will all be considered.

Further discussions about Scotland’s future are scheduled to be held with groups from civic society, local government, and religious and minority groups in the coming month.

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Sturgeon commented: “Scotland is being pulled out of the European Union against its will and without its consent, with Brexit the most immediate threat to Scotland’s economy.

“Our economic foundations are strong and our workforce and businesses are resilient, but the next twelve months will be absolutely crucial for Scotland as we wrestle with the UK Government’s approach to Brexit.

“We are determined to work with all parts of civic society to respond to the challenge now facing us.

“It is vital that across Scotland we discuss what kind of future we wish to create together – a future in which our economy, and our business community, plays such a crucial part,” she added.