Councils Will Still Work With EU After Brexit

13 September 2019, 08:28

Scottish councils will continue to work closely with European counterparts "regardless of the outcome of Brexit", their representative body has said.

Cosla's president announced that they will still have a team based in Brussels after Brexit, working with the EU and monitoring any developments that could have an impact on local government in Scotland.

Alison Evison, Scotland's most senior councillor, said: "Brexit does not mean that Scotland's councils will withdraw from the relationships we have worked hard to build with our European counterparts.

"Scottish local authorities need a positive, meaningful connection with the EU. We want to continue to work, co-operate and learn from the experiences of other local government associations.

"This is why we will continue, post-Brexit, to remain members of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions and the United Cities and Local Government.

"We will continue to seek ways to bring together local, regional and devolved elected members from across the UK and EU and will ensure that political dialogue and co-operation continue.

"Regardless of the outcome of Brexit, Cosla and the rest of Scottish local government will champion the benefits of international engagement to the public."