Question reference: S5W-01748
- Date lodged: 1 August 2016
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 2 August 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will report on the outcome of the recent extraordinary meeting of the British-Irish Council.
Answer
On 22 July 2016, the Welsh Government hosted an extraordinary meeting of the British-Irish Council in Cardiff. The Summit was attended by Ministers from all eight Member Administrations and was chaired by the Welsh First Minister. The Scottish Government was represented by the First Minister and myself.
The extraordinary meeting was called in light of the outcome of the UK Government’s referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union and provided a first opportunity, since the vote, for BIC Members to meet.
The First Minister took the opportunity to express the concerns felt by many in Scotland. Scotland voted to remain in the EU in every local authority area and every area will be affected by the UK’s decision to leave.
The First Minister advised the Council that given the consequences of being removed from the EU, the Scottish Government will explore every option to protect Scotland's interests.
Along with the representatives of the other devolved administrations and Crown Dependencies, she stressed the importance of being fully involved in the development of the UK approach and objectives and the subsequent negotiations.
The Communiqué that was issued by the British-Irish Council, after the meeting, can be found here: