Nicola Sturgeon will set out her Brexit demands for all of the UK in key Scottish Government’s proposals this week.
Although a bespoke Scottish arrangement for leaving the European Union will be included in the document, to be published on Tuesday, her minister in charge of leaving the Brussels bloc has admitted a “compromise” is their primary option.
Mike Russell said that maintaining a place in the European single market is “at the heart of our plan” and argued a failure to do so would lead to “a national disaster” through job losses.
He added: “We believe that the best option for Scotland, one which would fully protect our place in Europe, is to be an independent member of the EU.
“But, in line with our commitments to explore all options to protect Scotland’s interests, we will set out compromise proposals which, while not conferring the full benefits of EU membership, would mitigate the Brexit damage.”
It is understood that Ms Sturgeon will call for immigration, business regulation and employment rights to be devolved when she launches the paper.
Three scenarios are reported to be at the heart of the document, the SNP’s preferred UK-wide deal, a separate Scottish arrangement, and the threat of a second independence referendum.
David Mundell, the Scottish Secretary, has said a “team UK” approach would be best for the country, pointing out that depopulation and single market access are crucial to many parts of Britain, not just north of the border.
Adam Tomkins, the Conservatitve’s constitution spokesman, said: “The SNP’s view on the single market is clear as mud. This week, it appears to be saying that, as we leave the European Union, the UK must retain membership of the single market.
“Yet only two weeks ago, Mike Russell rightly admitted that single market membership if only open to members of the EU.
“The SNP has got itself into a Brexit muddle.”
