Mundell: Engaging with Scotland ahead of EU negotiations

Scottish Secretary David Mundell is to hold a series of meetings over the summer with key sectors of Scottish society.Scot_Flag_7105928XLrg

It is part of the UK Government’s work to prepare for the forthcoming negotiations with the EU.

He will assure them that the UK Government will work in the best interests of all parts of the United Kingdom and build on its strong economic record to ensure a bright future for Scotland’s economy.

The move is part of a commitment from the UK Government to ensure that Scottish interests are fully represented in the negotiations to come. Mr Mundell has been clear that a ‘Team UK’ approach is needed, working closely with the Scottish Government and other partners to maximise the opportunities for Scotland as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

This series of meetings comes after the Secretary of State held a roundtable with Scottish business leaders in Edinburgh in early July. Scotland Office Minister Andrew Dunlop has also been meeting key stakeholders across the country in recent weeks.

Groups Mr Mundell will meet include:

  • Oil and gas sector
  • Scottish Chambers of Commerce
  • Start-ups
  • Armed forces
  • Young people at Young Scot
  • Local authorities
  • Creative industries
  • Farmers’ representatives
  • Legal sector

Scotland Office Minister Andrew Dunlop will also continue to meet a number of sectors over the summer, including businesses, the arts, tourism, food/drink and higher education.

Mr Mundell said:

“I am looking forward to meeting groups from across Scotland to hear directly from them what their priorities are following the vote by the UK to leave the European Union. My task is to ensure that Scottish voices and interests are at the centre of the negotiations to come, and that is why this engagement is so important.

We are determined to take a ‘Team UK’ approach to this process, working closely with the Scottish Government and other partners as we form our negotiating strategy, and we will look at any suggestions they put forward. At every step of the way, the UK Government will work to ensure the best possible outcome for the British people and for all parts of our United Kingdom.

While the UK is leaving the EU, we will of course remain part of Europe. The United Kingdom will always be an outward-looking, globally-minded country, which is very much open for business. Our economic position is a strong one, with employment high and the deficit down by nearly two-thirds. That is a strong basis from which to move forward as we forge a new role for ourselves in the world.”

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