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.

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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.