Scotland has cautiously welcomed new signs of co-operation between the UK and the European Union, while voicing deep frustration over being left out of key decisions that directly affect Scottish interests.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson told the Scottish Parliament that recent UK-EU agreements show overdue progress in mending the fractured relationship left in Brexit’s wake.
He praised the reopening of doors for food and drink exports, improved energy collaboration and the UK’s intention to rejoin Erasmus, the popular European student exchange programme.
These steps, he said, were signs of movement in the right direction.
But that was where the goodwill ended.
Mr Robertson condemned the UK Government for shutting Scotland out of negotiations, particularly in areas where the stakes are high, like fishing.
For Scotland, a country with communities that rely on the sea, that exclusion wasn’t just bad manners.
It was, as he put it, “an affront to devolution”.
And more than that, he warned, it risks undermining any potential benefit the deal could offer.
“The Scottish Government welcomes the agreement as it represents long-overdue momentum in rebuilding our relationship with the European Union,” he said.
“But no agreement can deliver the economic, social and security benefits we lost with Brexit in 2020.”
While he acknowledged the value of efforts to reduce market barriers in agriculture and the commitment to greater energy and climate collaboration, Mr Robertson said the way the deal was handled proved a troubling pattern.
“We argued for an ambitious package in the interests of people and businesses across Scotland,” he said.
“There are some positive indicators here, including the agriculture, food and drink agreement, and a clear intention to rejoin the Erasmus exchange programme.”
But the Scottish Government’s lack of involvement, especially in decisions about fisheries, continues to be a red line.
“This agreement was reached without the explicit engagement of the devolved governments on the negotiation detail,” he added.
“That not only disrespects devolution, it puts at risk the benefits of any commitments for the people of Scotland.”
Mr Robertson also used the moment to reiterate the SNP’s long-standing position that Scotland’s future belongs in the European Union as an independent country.
Until then, he said, the Scottish Government will continue to push for constructive engagement and genuine co-operation.
“We will engage constructively and positively in the next phase of negotiations,” he said.
“And we hope to see the UK Government work collaboratively with devolved governments in developing its priorities as the EU does with its Member States.”
