Council leaders blast '˜snub' by SNP over Brexit talks

The leaders of some of Scotland's biggest councils have secured talks with UK government over Brexit concerns '“ amid claims they were snubbed by Nicola Sturgeon.
Leaders of some of Scotland's biggest councils have hit out at SNP ministers. Picture: Oli Scarff/GettyLeaders of some of Scotland's biggest councils have hit out at SNP ministers. Picture: Oli Scarff/Getty
Leaders of some of Scotland's biggest councils have hit out at SNP ministers. Picture: Oli Scarff/Getty

The Scottish Local Government Partnership (SLGP) has stepped up calls for greater devolution of powers from Holyrood after Brexit and will meet Scottish Secretary David Mundell after claiming the Scottish Government has frozen them out.

“Ministers at Holyrood view us as an inconvenience and have made it clear that they have no intention of including us in any talks,” said the SLGP’s convenor Jenny Laing who is also Aberdeen City Council leader.

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Jenny Laing says councils are seen as an 'inconveinance'.Jenny Laing says councils are seen as an 'inconveinance'.
Jenny Laing says councils are seen as an 'inconveinance'.
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“The UK government, on the other hand, recognises that we have a critical contribution to make.”

The group, which also includes Glasgow City council, will hold a “series of meetings” withMr Mundell who also wants to see councils handed more powers from ministers in Edinburgh.

A Scottish Government spokesman said rival local authority body Cosla took part in a Brexit standing council meeting with ministers this week. He added: “The Standing Council chair and minister for UK negotiations on Scotland’s place in Europe will receive shortly a report from Glasgow City Council giving a local authority perspective on potential impact of Brexit.