Question reference: S5W-01139
- Asked by: Richard Leonard, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 29 June 2016
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 18 July 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement by the First Minister on 28 June 2016 (Official Report, c. 4), whether it will publish the terms of the discussions that it is seeking to have with the member states of the EU, and whether these will be discussed in advance with leaders of the other parties in the Scottish Parliament.
Answer
The First Minister has committed to explore all options to protect Scotland’s relationship with the EU. On 28 June 2016 the Scottish Parliament provided a clear mandate for Scottish Ministers to engage with EU member states to pursue this outcome, and to ensure that Scotland’s voice is heard.
The Scottish Government will communicate progress to Parliament including through engagement with the relevant committees. The First Minister has also committed to a close dialogue with party leaders. However, as with all diplomatic discussions, there may be some aspects that cannot be shared in full without compromising our ability to best deliver Scotland’s interests.