RETAINING Scotland’s access to the European single market following the Brexit vote should be a key priority for Scottish ministers in any talks with the UK Government, a Holyrood committee has said.
Members of the Scottish Parliament’s European and External Relations Committee have published an initial report on the possible consequences of leaving the European Union (EU). The MSPs heard concerns about the potential loss of access to the single market and whether membership of alternative organisations, such as the European Free Trade Association or the European Economic Area, could curb the damage.
A range of research has been commissioned to find out more, with the committee setting out to “formulate its views on how Scottish interests can best be represented” before making recommendations to Holyrood. However, a “key conclusion” from the early evidence highlighted the “importance of access to the single market (both for services and goods), and the lack of tariff and non-tariff barriers (such as licensing)”.
The committee, in an initial statement, recommended: “We consider that these are important priorities for the Scottish Government in its discussions with the UK Government on the UK’s future relationship with the EU.”
Another “key issue” to be considered is how EU funding, which benefits areas such as agriculture and fisheries, can be replaced.
Committee convener Joan McAlpine, an SNP MSP, said: “It is clear from the initial evidence that access to the single market is the preference of most organisations we spoke to – meaning free movement of goods, services, people and capital.
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“Our committee will continue to explore in detail how access to the single market can be maintained for Scotland, scrutinise the alternatives and listen to voices from across Scottish society.
“Most immediately, we will examine to what extent Scotland will be able to influence negotiations.”
Meanwhile, committee deputy convener Lewis Macdonald also called for Scottish ministers to prioritise the rights and interests of EU citizens living in Scotland in talks with the UK Government.
Macdonald, a Labour MSP, said: “The Scottish Parliament has been united in affirming to citizens of EU countries already living here that they remain welcome and valued members of our communities.
“Our committee expects Scottish ministers to prioritise the interests of EU citizens who make such a valuable contribution to our public and private sectors, and those attending our higher and further education institutions in their discussions with their UK counterparts.” A Scottish Government spokeswoman, responding to the committee, said: “The Scottish Government’s own analysis of independent forecasts shows that the projected cost to the Scottish economy is up to £11.2 billion per year by 2030.
“That is why, as the First Minister has made clear, we are exploring all options to protect Scotland’s place in Europe, and why the ongoing lack of clarity on continued single market membership is damaging.”
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