THE UK Government has been urged to implement a “meaningful, comprehensive and transparent process” for the devolved administrations to influence Brexit talks.
A joint statement aimed at Downing Street was issued following a meeting in London.
It was attended by Scotland’s Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell and Europe Minister Jenny Gilruth, her Welsh counterpart Jeremy Miles, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster and her deputy Michelle O’Neill.
They said they had not been given the role they hoped for in the first round of talks.
READ MORE: Michael Russell urges other parties to oppose UK Brexit plans
READ MORE: Brexit has cost taxpayer 'minimum' of £4bn in UK Government spend
With the next round of discussions with the EU taking place next week, the devolved administrations called on Westminster to listen to the needs and interests of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The statement said: “Before the next round of negotiations later this month we agreed there must be a meaningful, comprehensive and transparent process for the devolved governments to influence the UK’s negotiating position – something that has clearly not happened so far.
“These negotiations will have significant and long-lasting impacts on people, communities and businesses and the devolved governments have a particular responsibility for ensuring the interests of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are protected and promoted.”
A spokesperson said the UK Government is committed to working closely with the devolved nations and has been in “regular contact” with them.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel