Scottish minister demands evidence of progress in EU talks

The UK Government has been urged to provide “cast-iron proof” it is still pursuing a Brexit deal.

Ahead of a Joint Ministerial Committee meeting in London, Scotland’s Constitutional Relations Secretary Mike Russell called for evidence that progress is being made in talks with the EU.

The UK is scheduled to depart the EU on October 31 but opposition MPs have been working to prevent a no-deal outcome.

Speaking before the meeting on Thursday, Mr Russell said: “In her resignation letter, the former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Amber Rudd, made the very serious allegation that leaving the EU with a deal is no longer the UK Government’s main objective.

“We now need cast-iron proof that the UK Government is not pursuing a no-deal outcome.

“I will be very interested to hear any evidence from the UK Government of the progress of their talks with the EU, their quantity and quality, what position it took in these talks, and whether any substantial progress has been made.”

He added: “This meeting will also be an opportunity to underline our grave concern about the lack of information being shared with us under the UK Government’s ‘no deal’ planning structures.

“I will also be making it crystal clear that the Scottish Government stands against any form of Brexit and is firmly in opposition to a calamitous no-deal Brexit, under any circumstances.”