13 January 2020

The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chaired a meeting with economy and business leaders, the first of a series of roundtables to discuss the future path of Scotland, and the challenges of Brexit.

Further discussions will be held with groups from civic society, local government, and religious and minority groups in the coming month.

The First Minister said:

Scotland is being pulled out of the European Union against its will and without its consent, with Brexit the most immediate threat to Scotland’s economy.

Our economic foundations are strong and our workforce and businesses are resilient, but the next twelve months will be absolutely crucial for Scotland as we wrestle with the UK government’s approach to Brexit.

We are determined to work with all parts of civic society to respond to the challenge now facing us.

It is vital that across Scotland we discuss what kind of future we wish to create together – a future in which our economy, and our business community, plays such a crucial part.”