Proposal for statutory Scottish representation at EU meetings
Scottish Ministers should have a statutory right to be part of UK delegations attending relevant European Union meetings, such as the Fisheries Council.
The case for strengthening Scotland’s voice in Europe is set out in a paper published today, one of six prepared by Ministers proposing amendments to the Scotland Bill. It envisages an enhanced role in Europe that will strengthen Scotland’s voice. The paper includes the specific amendment that could be made to the Scotland Bill to deliver this objective.
At present Scottish Ministers can only attend Council of Ministers’ meetings with the agreement of the lead UK Minister. They are now seeking a statutory right to be included in the UK delegation at formal and informal meetings of Ministers, where non-reserved matters affecting Scotland are to be considered.
External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Over the past 12 years, Scottish representation in UK delegations has been on a grace-and-favour basis. The best status for Scotland in the European Union is as an independent Member State – until that point, the current inadequate arrangements can and should be significantly improved.
“We had experience - under the previous UK Government - of Scotland’s Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead being refused the opportunity to attend an informal Fisheries Council in Vigo, Spain, in April 2010 in favour of an unelected member of the House of Lords whose responsibility did not include fishing. Under the current Westminster Coalition the First Minister has had to make a personal intervention to the Prime Minister for Scotland to be included. The current system clearly isn’t fit for purpose.
“The Scottish Government seeks recognition for the role Scottish Ministers play regarding matters directly within our responsibility – such as fisheries, where 70 per cent of UK landings are by Scottish fishing vessels.
“Our proposal will ensure our negotiating position is communicated to Europe by a delegation with relevant expertise, and representing the parts of the UK that will be most affected by decisions taken within EU institutions."
Should people be 'stimulated' to eat white fish alternatives to cod?
