Scottish Government demands say in UK trade deals

The Scottish Government should be involved in future trade deal discussions between the UK and other countries, Brexit secretary Michael Russell has said.

In a new discussion paper, Russell said the devolved administrations should be part of a new approach to trade negotiations which recognises the different needs across the UK.

The paper highlights international examples where provincial or federal administrations have been included, such as the Canadian provincial governments’ role in the EU-Canada trade deal.

Russell said: “The Scottish Government has consistently argued that the best future for Scotland and the UK is to remain in the EU, or at the least in the Single Market and Customs Union. But we must do everything we can to protect Scotland’s interests in future trade deals in all possible Brexit outcomes.

He added that Scottish involvement in trade deals “would bring clear benefits for Scottish producers, exporters and consumers – not least protecting Scotland’s NHS from being opened up to private competition, or opening up our markets to chlorinated chicken or hormone-injected beef.”

A spokesperson for the UK government's Department for International Trade said: "The people of Scotland, and the whole UK, will have far more involvement in our future UK trade agreements than over current EU agreements.

"Indeed, the trade policy minister is visiting Scotland next week to host a consultation event with the Scottish Council for Development and Industry on future free trade agreements.

"We are committed to working with the devolved administrations on an approach to trade negotiations that delivers the best for the UK as a whole."