THERE should be a “statutory requirement” that Scotland and the other devolved administrations have a say in any post-Brexit trade deals, according to a new report.

The Scottish Government paper argues, further, that there should be a formal role for the UK’s component countries in trade negotiations that touch upon devolved policy areas.

The report demanded: “The Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament must have a guaranteed role in all stages of the formulation, negotiation, agreement and implementation of all future trade deals to help industries, protect devolved public services and ensure the highest standards of social, environmental and consumer protection in Scotland and across the UK.”

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The paper, launched by Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell, also argued the UK Parliament should have to consent to future agreements “to ensure that the interests of all nations of the UK are reflected in any trade agreements”.

Current arrangements for developing trade policy across the UK “are already out of date and not fit for purpose in a situation where the UK is a member of the EU”, the report said. With Brexit now looming, it called for an “urgent and substantial overhaul” of existing processes and procedures.

Key for Holyrood ministers in this is ensuring Scottish interests are protected – with the paper pointing out the greater importance of the export of fish, seafoods and spirits to the economy north of the Border.

While SNP ministers have repeatedly argued that both Scotland and the UK as a whole should remain in the single market and customs union after the Britain leaves the EU, they have to “make the necessary preparations for all exit possibilities, in order to support and protect the Scottish economy and our key sectors as much as possible”.

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Being part of the customs union gives Scotland tariff-free trade with the EU and also means the country benefits from around 40 trade agreements the EU has signed with third countries.

After Brexit the UK will have to negotiate new trade deals with overseas nations, instead of this being carried out by the EU, as has happened for over 40 years.

The report also warned it would be “challenging” for the UK to make up for a decline in trade with Europe by selling more to other countries.