Scotland will be put at the heart of Brexit negotiations to stop Nicola Sturgeon to stop pushing for second independence vote
Government is vowing to have a 'Team UK' approach to the talks with the European Union
SCOTTISH interests will be put at the heart of Britain’s Brexit negotiations to try and stop the SNP’s calls for a second independence vote.
The Government will be holding talks with representatives from the oil and gas industries, farming and other sectors on the impact of leaving the EU.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said he wants to ensure Scottish interests are at the heart of negotiations.
He said he will also work closely with the Scottish Government: “My task is to ensure that Scottish voices and interests are at the centre of the negotiations to come, and that is why this engagement is so important.
“We are determined to take a ‘Team UK’ approach to this process, working closely with the Scottish Government and other partners as we form our negotiating strategy, and we will look at any suggestions they put forward.
“At every step of the way, the UK Government will work to ensure the best possible outcome for the British people and for all parts of our United Kingdom.
“While the UK is leaving the EU, we will of course remain part of Europe.
“The United Kingdom will always be an outward-looking, globally-minded country, which is very much open for business.
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“Our economic position is a strong one, with employment high and the deficit down by nearly two-thirds.
“That is a strong basis from which to move forward as we forge a new role for ourselves in the world.”
His comments come three weeks after Theresa May visited Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
After their brief meeting in Edinburgh Mrs May said she wanted Scotland to be “fully engaged” in drawing up Brexit options.
Ms Sturgeon has repeatedly demanded Scotland be allowed to remain in the EU – given 62 per cent of Scots vote to stay in the bloc on June 23.
She has promised to explore every option and threatened a second independence referendum if Scotland is dragged out “against its will”.
In a speech last month she said it is in the UK government's interest to help find a solution so the SNP does not call for a second independence referendum.
At the speech at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) in Edinburgh, she said: "We can seek to find - or create - a solution that enables Scotland's distinctive voice to be heard and our interests to be protected within the UK.
"Or we can consider again the option of independence.
"I don't underestimate the challenge of finding such a solution."