04.03.2020
The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee will on Thursday (5 March) question the Secretary of State for Scotland regarding the Withdrawal Agreement and the future relationship between the European Union and the UK.
The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee will on Thursday (5 March) question the Secretary of State for Scotland regarding the Withdrawal Agreement and the future relationship between the European Union and the UK.
In recent weeks the Committee has taken evidence from a wide range of experts with regard to the Northern Ireland protocol and the likely priorities of the EU and the UK Government in the forthcoming future relationship negotiations. The Committee has also taken evidence from the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, Europe and External Affairs, Michael Russell MSP.
Committee Convener Joan McAlpine said:
“The clock is ticking for the UK to agree to its future relationship with the EU and we continue to lack clarity on the form that relationship will take.
“The future relationship between the EU and the UK will have a significant impact on the day to day lives of people in Scotland. Thursday's session - the first occasion the Secretary of State has provided evidence in the Scottish Parliament - will hopefully provide some clarity on what that future relationship will be.”
Deputy Convener, Claire Baker said:
"Evidence that the Committee has taken in recent weeks has highlighted that considerable detail requires to be worked out regarding the operation of the Northern Ireland protocol, whilst the form of the future relationship with the EU remains highly uncertain, with leaving without a trade deal still a distinct possibility.
“The Secretary of State for Scotland has serious concerns to address so that we can avoid 9 months of further uncertainty.”
Find the committee papers for Thursday here.