Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid) 17 March 2021
17 Mar 2021 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
European Union Withdrawal (Relationships with Non-EU Countries)
Constitution, Europe and External Affairs
I thank Mr Lindhurst, and I wish him well, too.
The UK’s decision to leave the EU has undoubtedly posed challenges to Scotland’s ability to engage closely with international partners, whether directly or through arrangements that have been agreed by the EU. Despite that, the Scottish Government stands firm in its outward-looking and values-based approach. We will continue to strengthen our international relationships within the EU and beyond, to work ever more collaboratively with others on the challenges that face our post-Covid world, to increase our international trade and investment activity and, ultimately, to achieve our overarching objective of sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Scotland.
In the same item of business
4. Gordon Lindhurst (Lothian) (Con)
Con
I enter into the spirit of the afternoon’s proceedings by also wishing the cabinet secretary—indeed, everyone—all the very best for the future. To ask the S...
The Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs (Michael Russell)
SNP
I thank Mr Lindhurst, and I wish him well, too. The UK’s decision to leave the EU has undoubtedly posed challenges to Scotland’s ability to engage closely w...
Gordon Lindhurst
Con
We need to recognise the benefits that we have already seen—for example, the United States Government’s recent lifting of tariffs on many goods, which should...
Michael Russell
SNP
Gordon Lindhurst should differentiate between the removal of trade tariffs that were imposed because of a trade dispute—thus, the reversion to the previous s...
Richard Lyle (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP)
SNP
Having known Mike Russell for many years, I also wish him well. A close relationship between the UK and the EU is in everyone’s interests. Will the cabinet ...
Michael Russell
SNP
Richard Lyle makes a very sensible point. I have written to Lord Frost about that matter just this weekend. I do not know whether the response will come befo...