Scots urged to take part in post-Brexit trade consultation

The UK Government has urged Scottish businesses and individuals to take part in a consultation on Britain’s post-Brexit trade policy.

International Trade Minister George Hollingbery will make the plea during a meeting with business leaders today in Edinburgh.

The roundtable will be hosted by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) and discuss trade priorities after the UK leaves the EU.

The SCDI is expected to raise concerns about gaps in the Labour market after Brexit and urge the UK Government to allow Scotland to have separate immigration arrangements.

Hollingbery’s focus however will be on the trade consultation which runs until 26 October.

Ahead of the meeting he said: “For the first time in over 40 years we will be able to determine the terms of our trade. That means new trade agreements with our key partners, as well as putting the UK at the heart of the world’s fastest growing regions such as Asia.

“We are committed to forging new trading relationships that create jobs, boost our vital industries and benefit consumers across the whole of the UK. I am delighted to visit Edinburgh today, urging people across Scotland to seize the opportunities in front of them and make their voices heard. So please visit consultations.trade.gov.uk to take part.

“Now is the time for everyone to get around the table to have a constructive debate that put the needs of the Scottish people first.”

Matt Lancashire, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at SCDI, said: “SCDI welcomes the opportunity to facilitate this important consultation between the Minister for Trade Policy and our members on Future Trade Agreements.

“It is important that Scottish businesses and civic organisations have the opportunity to input into UK trade priorities for key markets, to support inclusive economic growth across Scotland.

“We will be encouraging our wider membership and key stakeholders to respond to the online consultations to ensure their views are heard.”

Exports of Scottish goods last year were worth £28.7bn and grew faster than the rest of the UK, up by 19 per cent on 2016.