Calls to include Scottish and Welsh Gov in Brexit talks

The Scottish and Welsh governments have united to reinforce calls for a seat at the table during the Brexit negotiations.

The two administrations have written to UK Brexit Secretary David Davis urging him to re-set'' the work of the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU negotiations.

Scotland's Brexit Minister Mike Russell and Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said it is vital agreement is reached on how the devolved administrations will be represented in the negotiations.

As you will know, both the Scottish and Welsh governments believe that we should be at the table when devolved issues are discussed and in the room for other sessions,'' the letter said.

It urges Mr Davis to resume meetings of the committee at the earliest possibility'' as well as agree a future programme of regular sessions timed to fit in with the negotiating meetings agreed with the European Commission.

The letter also calls for a clear agenda that would allow devolved administrations to consider relevant issues arising from the negotiations, for example the replacement of EU funding schemes such as the Common Agricultural Policy, future immigration policy and analysis of the economic impact of scenarios including no deal and of reverting to World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, leaving the single market and withdrawing from the customs union.

It said: It is essential that the UK Government trust the devolved administrations to respect the confidential inter-governmental space that the JMC should fill.

We want to use JMC (EN) as a forum in which we can have meaningful discussions of key issues, aimed at reaching agreement rather than an opportunity to rehearse well-established public positions. Unfortunately, this was not our experience of the way the committee operated prior to the election.''

The letter also said ministers are deeply concerned'' about alack of engagement'' on the proposed Great Repeal Bill to transpose EU legislation into UK law.

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