News story: Walker: Scottish views will play key part in forming EU exit plans

We want to ensure every nation and area of the United Kingdom can make the most of the opportunities ahead, the Minister for Exiting the European Union Robin Walker said during visits to Fort William, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The Minister was in Scotland to continue the Government’s UK-wide engagement programme ahead of the start of EU negotiations. The Prime Minister has signalled that we will trigger Article 50 before the end of March, allowing formal negotiations to begin.

During the two day trip, the Minister travelled across the country listening to universities, businesses and charities about their top priorities for EU exit and views on how they can capitalise on the opportunities that our departure presents.

He visited both the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh, the Lochaber Chambers of Commerce and Age Scotland as well as attending roundtables with key business sectors.

Minister for Exiting the EU, Robin Walker said:

It’s vitally important that we get a deal that works for all of the UK, and Scotland’s voice will be heard loud and clear as we prepare for the upcoming negotiations.

Over the past two days I’ve spoken to people across Scotland, many with extensive experience in their sector, ensuring their views are heard as they are hugely important to us as we continue to form our negotiating strategy.

Working closely with all of the devolved administrations, the UK Government has held monthly meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee (EU Negotiations) to engage with the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments.