Professor Andrew Scott invited to be member of Scotland's Standing Council on Europe
Tue 28 June 2016
Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has formed the group to advise on Scotland’s relationship with the EU.
The Standing Council on Europe comprises specialists in legal, financial, business and diplomatic matters and membership will be flexible to ensure Ministers have access to appropriate advice as required.
Professor Scott was invited to join for his many years of research and teaching on European economic integration and provision of legal expertise to Government on European economic issues.
The group also includes close affiliate and Professor Emeritus to the Law School, Professor Sir David Edward. Professor Edward was Salvesen Professor of European Institutions and Director of the Europa Institute at Edinburgh Law School from 1985-1989, and was until 2004 Judge of the European Court of Justice.
The First Minister made the announcement about the appointment of the council during a statement to Parliament on the outcome of the EU referendum.
Speaking at this announcement, Ms Sturgeon said:
“The Scottish Government’s overriding objective is to protect Scotland’s relationship with and place in the European Union. The Standing Council on Europe will provide advice on how best to achieve those objectives.
“More than 60% of voters in Scotland wanted to stay in the EU to protect the jobs, investment and trade that depend on it. We chose to be an open, inclusive and outward-looking society where other EU citizens are welcome to live, work and contribute, and we voted to protect the freedom and prosperity that comes with our rights to travel, live, work and study in other European countries.
“We now need to set out and evaluate all the impacts of the referendum result and all of the options open to Scotland to secure our relationship with the EU. The Council draws on a breadth and wealth of knowledge and experience, comprising specialists with backgrounds in business, finance, economics, European and diplomatic matters, and it will encompass a range of political and constitutional opinions.
“Members will consider the impact of proposed changes to the UK’s relationship with the EU on Scottish interests and advise Ministers throughout our negotiations on the best way to secure Scottish interests and objectives.”
--
Related Links
Professor Andrew Scott's profile page