STEWART PATERSON

Political Correspondent

THE Scottish Government has said it is still possible for Scotland to stay in the Single Market when the UK leaves the EU.

As the leaders of the UK’s devolved nations met at the British-Irish Council, the Welsh First Minister, Carwyn Jones, poured cold water on the idea of Scotland achieving a separate deal to the UK and remaining as a full member of the trading bloc.

He said it was impractical and that the nations and governments of the UK should work to get the best possible deal for the whole UK.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, he said: “I can’t see how it would work” adding it would mean borders within the UK if there was different rules on freedom of movement of people that accompanies the EU single market.

He added: “For me, what is absolutely crucial is that we get the best deal for the UK, all four nations of the UK, and that there is agreement on that.”

The Scottish Government however said anything was possible given the unique and unprecedented nature of Brexit.

Fiona Hyslop, Culture and External Affairs secretary responded: “Nothing is impossible.

“We are in uncharted territory and that is part of what we are discussing with many administrations.”

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon took part in the talks in Cardiff with Mr Jones and members of the Northern Ireland Government and the Republic of Ireland Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

Ms Sturgeon said she was in agreement with the Welsh Government on the UK remaining in the single market and she respected where views differ.

She said “Both Scotland and Wales have spoken loud and clear, Single Market status is simply the only way to protect the economy not only of Scotland and Wales respectively, but the UK as a whole. “Anything else risks us falling off a hard-Brexit cliff edge, and we are united in our call to ensure the UK Government does all it can to ensure that happens

“I respect the different views and outcomes in our own countries, ?and both the Scottish and Welsh governments are open to proposals from each other, bearing in mind the unique challenges faced in our respective countries. I welcome the continued dialogue that our countries can enjoy.”

Ms Sturgeon met with Mr Kenny ahead of her visit to Dublin next week where she will address the Seanad, the upper house of the Irish Parliament.

She said: “ “The Taoiseach and I used the opportunity to discuss mutual Irish-Scottish interests.”