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Westminster officials say Scottish ministers had not given the UK government access to documents outlining how Scotland intends to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31. These documents included information on how UK government cash had been spent to support Brexit readiness and how Holyrood ministers ensured companies were prepared for change.
But Edinburgh has disputed tonight’s allegations by accusing Westminster of speaking “nonsense” on the grounds that they gave Westminster ideas.
Whitehall sources told Express.co.uk tonight that Edinburgh’s approach to dealing with Scotland was “worrying”.
A source told this website: “There are big differences between the two governments at the moment, we are concerned about the Edinburgh approach.
“We should work together to prepare for the transition period.”
Another added: “It sounds more like political jokes right now in Edinburgh than commitment and teamwork.”
Michael Gove wrote to Michael Russell, Secretary of the Scottish Constitution, stating that the UK government had sent “detailed plans” to Holyrood without reciprocity.
In the letter, Mr Gove said that they had not been invited to any Scottish Government operational readiness meeting.
The letter said: “I appreciate that this is your decision, but we do not yet have access to crucial data and we have not shared documents or other important planning materials with us.”
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“This includes information on how the funds the Scottish government received to support preparedness have been spent; how many environmental health officers are in local authorities; and how it ensures that companies are aware of and take steps to prepare for change “.
Mr. Gove emphasized that he had been very interested in “ensuring the best possible compromise between us” and emphasized that Nicola Sturgeon had been invited to regular meetings of the Westminster Exit Operations Cabinet Committee which deals with preparations and preparation. operational by the end of the transition period.
He added: “I’m sorry if you think the UK government’s contact with you and others in decentralized administrations has not been all that it could be.”
Gove, a key member of Johnson’s cabinet, said “intensified engagement” is now underway as the UK prepares for the Brexit transition period ending in December.
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However, in a scathing response tonight, Michael Russell said: “Boris Johnson and Michael Gove’s extraordinary decision to impose a hard and disastrous Brexit amid a global pandemic and economic downturn shows that they have utter disregard for the people. in Scotland.
“Everybody knows that the Scottish government, the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish people have been ignored by the Conservatives throughout the chaotic Brexit period, which is one of the reasons why there is now a clear majority for independence.
“The Scottish government has repeatedly presented detailed evidence to the UK government of a different approach to limit the damage from the dire Brexit situation it has created, but they have consistently rejected us.”
Russell said last month that there was now no trust between the Scottish government and Westminster, complaining that the dialogue between the two administrations had gotten “significantly worse since Boris Johnson became prime minister.”
It comes as Westminster talks to the European Union about a post-Brexit trade deal that will take place in Brussels tomorrow.
The British side led by Lord Frost and the EU team led by Michel Barnier have been meeting in London since the process was restarted last week.
In a sign that enough progress is being made to allow talks to continue, the teams will move to the Belgian capital to continue their discussions.
European Commission spokesman Dan Ferrie said: “I can confirm that negotiations are ongoing in London right now, they will run until tomorrow and then they will take place here in Brussels, starting Thursday.”
He would not be attracted to the state of the negotiations, but said that both sides are “intensely engaged” to reach an agreement.
But Downing Street warned that “time is too short” to close the “significant” gaps between the UK and the EU.
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