Nicola Sturgeon to discuss Brexit concerns with Michel Barnier

Nicola Sturgeon will travel to Brussels today to discuss concerns over Brexit with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier.

With the First Minister officially opening Scotland House after it was expanded, Sturgeon is also expected to call for an end to “damaging uncertainty” over the impact of leaving the EU on Scotland and the UK.

The FM is calling on UK ministers keep the UK inside the Customs Union and Single Market.

Sturgeon is scheduled to host discussions with the business community in Brussels before she formally opens the expanded Scotland House – part of the Scottish Government’s network of hubs across Europe – with offices now in London, Dublin, Berlin and with another soon to open in Paris.

She said: “People and businesses are desperate for clarity on Brexit but with just months to go before the withdrawal agreement has to be signed the UK Government still cannot agree a position.

“This damaging uncertainty could come to an immediate end if only the UK Government would put jobs and living standards first and agree to continuing Single Market and Customs Union membership – for Scotland and the whole of the UK.

“Whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, we are committed to continuing our collaboration, our friendship and our partnership with other European countries. Increasing our presence across the EU is a significant part of maintaining those relationships and the newly expanded Scotland House has a major part to play in representing Scotland across the whole of the EU.”