Brexit talks between Theresa May and the leaders of the devolved administrations were “deeply frustrating”, Scotland’s First Minister has said.
The Prime Minister offered to involve Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in regular formal discussions on the negotiations in an effort to quell concern about her handling of the situation.
But Nicola Sturgeon revealed she had clashed with Mrs May over the way Britain’s divorce from the European Union is progressing.
She told Sky News: “We had a frank exchange of views. I don’t mind admitting large parts of the meeting were deeply frustrating.”
The news comes as fellow leaders of the devolved administrations say that they too are “no clearer” about how the Government will pull Britain out of the European Union, despite two hours of talks.
Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones said there had been no details about what happens next in the divorce talks, and warned “time is not on our side”.
Theresa May offered to involve Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in regular formal talks on the Brexit process in an effort to quell concern about her handling of the situation.
But Downing Street said leaders of the devolved administrations must not “undermine” the negotiations.
“We have been very clear that we should be working together to secure the best possible deal for the whole country,” the Prime Minister’s official spokeswoman said.
“We expect representatives of the devolved administrations to act in that way and to in no way undermine the UK’s position.”
Martin McGuinness, Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, said there was a “joint responsibility” to manage the Brexit process.
He told reporters: “As this process moves along, we need to be at the heart of it.”
Mr Jones said access to the single market was “the most important issue”, but dismissed suggestions by Nicola Sturgeon that Scotland could remain part of the trading agreement even if the rest of the UK did not.
“We need to make sure we continue to sell in one of the world’s biggest markets on the same terms as we do now,” he told Sky News.
“The scale of the challenge is truly gigantic. Nobody has any details yet as to what happens next.
“We are waiting for the UK Government to tell us what its general principles will be in advance of the negotiations in March.”
