Scottish Government Brexit proposals will be given ‘careful consideration’, says UK Government

The UK Government has said it will give Scottish Government proposals for continued membership of the European single market “careful consideration”.

The ‘Scotland’s place in Europe’ proposals published today are aimed at the UK Government ahead of the triggering of the formal process of leaving the EU.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said they represented a “significant compromise” by her government, after Scotland voted to Remain in the EU by 62 per cent.

RELATED CONTENT

Scottish Government Brexit plan: Nicola Sturgeon outlines options for retaining access to single market

In response to the paper, a UK Government spokesperson said:  “We welcome the publication of the Scottish Government’s paper and will give it careful consideration.

 “We are engaging closely with all the devolved administrations through the JMC process and this contribution from the Scottish Government will feed into that constructive work.

“As we leave the EU, we are committed to securing a deal that works for all parts of the UK, including Scotland, and for the UK as a whole. The best way to achieve this is for all four governments to work together.”

Sturgeon told reporters she accepted it would be the UK Government who would negotiate with Europe after the triggering of Article 50, but said having one part of the country still in the European Economic Area (EEA) would benefit the whole of the UK.

"All we have been getting from the UK Government is what everyone else is getting - "Brexit means Brexit" and not much else," she said.

The Scottish Government proposals argue the whole of the UK should remain in the EEA, but if not Scotland should have different arrangements than the rest of the UK to remain a member.

It also says Brexit should lead to devolution of new powers to the Scottish Parliament.