News story: David Mundell in Brussels: Getting the best deal for the whole of the UK

Scottish Secretary David Mundell met with Scottish MEPs, EU academics and business representatives in Brussels today [Thursday 9 February], to discuss how the UK Government is representing people and business interests in Scotland.

Mr Mundell also met with other European member states while in Brussels, as part of a two-day programme of European engagement on economic, social and cultural matters. Tomorrow [Friday 10 February] he will travel to Berlin.

Speaking after the meetings, Mr Mundell said:

The UK government has been forming a strong UK-wide evidence base as we prepare for negotiations to forge a new, mutually-beneficial partnership with Europe. Today I set out how the Scottish Government and the UK Government are working together to ensure we get the best deal for Scotland and the whole of the UK.

I also met representatives from a number of EU member states, and I was heartened to find a willingness to work with the UK as we leave the EU – underlining that we are leaving the EU but not leaving Europe.

Today [Thursday 9 February] Mr Mundell met:

• UK MEP Vicky Ford, chair of the European Parliament’s single market committee.

• European thinktanks CEPS, Open Europe and Bruegel.

• The Permanent Representatives of several key European partners, including Italy, Greece, Belgium and the Netherlands.

• The CBI’s Brussels representative.

Mr Mundell’s visit is part of the UK Government’s determination to get the best possible deal for Scotland and all parts of the UK as we leave the EU. This direct engagement will ensure that key figures in Brussels understand the UK’s ambitions in delivering a deal that works for the UK and all of its nations.

In Berlin Mr Mundell will meet Scottish academic and business interests, and host a reception for the Edinburgh International Film Festival at the British Embassy. This will showcase the Edinburgh festival to the world’s cinema industry, who will be in Berlin for the Berlinale.