Question reference: S5W-07075
- Asked by: Christina McKelvie, MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 9 February 2017
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Current status: Answered by Michael Russell on 21 February 2017
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to comments by the Secretary of State for Scotland that a differentiated deal in Scotland maintaining single market membership is still possible.
Answer
The UK Government White Paper on Exiting the European Union (EU) makes it clear that the UK Government will not be seeking membership of the European Single Market. However, the Scottish Government’s paper “Scotland’s Place in Europe” sets out proposals that would protect Scotland’s interests through a differentiated deal for Scotland based on examples from across the EU. A differentiated solution would allow Scotland to remain a member of the European Single Market, while providing a structure for continued free trade and movement of people and goods across the UK. The Scottish Government will continue to press the UK Government to act on these proposals, in line with the Prime Minister’s commitment on 15 July for full engagement with Scotland, and for Article 50 not to be triggered until there are objectives for negotiations "that deliver a Brexit that works for the whole of the UK."