17.07.2016
Members of the Scottish Parliament’s European and External Relations Committee will visit Brussels next Tuesday as they continue their examination of the implications of Brexit for Scotland.
The Committee members will meet with Ambassadors from the European Union and EFTA (the European Free Trade Association) Member States, together with a number of other key organisations in Brussels.
Joan McAlpine MSP, Convener of the European and External Relations Committee, said:
“62% of voters in Scotland voted to ‘remain’ in the EU. For that reason alone, it is important to understand what the possible options are to safeguard Scotland’s place in Europe.
“Our meetings in Brussels will seek to open channels with key European decision makers to discuss how Scotland’s interests can be represented as discussions go forward.
“Our session later this month provides us with an opportunity to hear from key sectors, including higher education, finance and industry. We will raise the questions and concerns of those sectors in our meetings with the Scottish and UK Governments.”
The Committee’s visit comes as part of a programme of work the Committee is taking forward whilst Holyrood is in recess.
On the 28th of July, the Committee will hold an evidence session, hearing from representatives of key sectors in Scotland likely to be affected by Brexit.
Witnesses are expected to include representatives of the Scotch Whisky Association and Virgin Money.
Background
The Committee recently announced a programme of work to examine the fallout from the referendum in Scotland.
It also intends to hold evidence sessions with the First Minister of Scotland and UK Government ministers, details of which will be announced once they have been confirmed.
The Committee will also commission research on the implications of Brexit and engage in an extensive public consultation with the people of Scotland to hear at first-hand what leaving the EU means to them.