NI, Scotland and Wales call for clarity on Brexit impact

The UK's devolved administrations have called for clarity over how Brexit will affect their economies and budgets after 'disappointing' discussions with the Treasury.

The finance ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales said Chief Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke failed to provide enough information on the impact of leaving the European Union (EU) during quadrilateral talks in Edinburgh.

They urged the UK Government to give “serious consideration” to proposals put forward for differentiated solutions and said negotiations must be stepped up as the deadline for triggering Article 50 approaches.

Stormont Finance Minister Mairtin O Muilleoir said: “I have previously been on record saying that there is a lack of understanding of the calamitous effects that Brexit would have on our local economy and there has been no appreciation of the need for a special status for the North within the EU.

Scotland’s Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “We need clarity from the government as we have the right to have our say on how devolved budgets and our economy will be affected by a hard Brexit.”

Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “The fact of Brexit is not in doubt but we need to ensure a good outcome for Wales.”