British-Irish Council to discuss EU

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will attend ‘one of the most important ever meetings of the British-Irish Council’ today to discuss the impact of the UK-wide vote to leave the European Union.

The Extraordinary Summit in Cardiff has been convened to discuss the implications faced by the member administrations.

It’s the first time the First Minister has had the opportunity to speak face-to-face to the UK’s other administrations, Crown dependencies and the Irish Government since the referendum vote. External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop will also attend the summit.

Speaking ahead of the summit, the First Minister said:

“Scotland voted overwhelming to remain within the European Union and that democratic choice by the Scottish people - so important to our economy, society and culture - will guide us as we seek to maintain our relationship with the EU.

“As I have consistently said, we will explore all options to ensure that relationship is protected, and the new Prime Minister gave me an undertaking when we met in Edinburgh last Friday that she is willing to consider the options we put forward.

“This British-Irish Council meeting is the first opportunity we have had as a forum to properly discuss the referendum result and what it means for each of our administrations.

“As such, this is one of the most important ever meetings of the British-Irish Council. I will fully discuss with colleagues the implications of the referendum result, the range of options available to us and how we can shape the negotiation process so it is reflective of everyone’s circumstances.”