John Swinney meets EU ambassador after Labour pledge 'no rewind' on Brexit

FIRST Minister John Swinney has discussed strengthening Scotland and the UK’s ties with the European Union in a meeting with the bloc’s ambassador.

The SNP leader met with Pedro Serrano, the EU’s ambassador to the UK, in London on Wednesday.

Speaking afterwards, Swinney said that close ties with the EU bloc would benefit Scotland – which rejected Brexit in the 2016 referendum.

The First Minister said: “I very much welcomed the opportunity to continue my dialogue with the European Union’s Ambassador to the UK Pedro Serrano.

“Scotland is a European nation, and I believe our future lies within the EU. That is why I have said rejoining the European Union should be Scotland’s goal and national mission.

“But we are also a strong voice for greater co-operation right now, and I urge the UK Prime Minister to forge a closer relationship with the EU in the interests of economic growth and trade.

“Whether it is more lucrative trade, higher economic growth, collective action to accelerate the energy transition and address climate change, or increased opportunities for young Scots, an enhanced partnership with the European Union would be in Scotland’s best interests.”

Sharing a picture with Swinney, Serrano said on Twitter/X:” Shared views this afternoon on the strengthening EU-UK relationship with the First Minister of Scotland @JohnSwinney at Europe House.

“Trade, energy, culture and people-to-people contacts underpin Scotland's ties with the European Union.”

In London, Swinney also met with the Japanese ambassador, Hiroshi Suzuki.

The First Minister said: “My meeting with the new ambassador was a chance to make clear my commitment to further strengthening the relationship that exists already, a relationship that has resulted in Japanese companies such as Sumitomo and Marubeni making significant investments in Scotland’s offshore wind infrastructure.”

Later, the First Minister is due to attend a “dine and sleep” event for politicians, hosted by the King at Windsor Castle.

The Prime Minister will attend, along with the first ministers of Wales and Northern Ireland.

Last week, a Labour minister said there would be no “rewind” on Brexit.

In a statement on UK-EU relations, Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said the Government intends to make the UK’s exit from the bloc work in a “ruthlessly pragmatic” way.

Prime Minister Keir StarmerIt came after Keir Starmer met EU leaders in Brussels as part of plans to reset relations, with the Prime Minister committing to reducing trade barriers that are inhibiting his flagship pledge to grow the UK economy.

Thomas-Symonds told the Commons: “This Government has been clear that we are not hitting rewind, we are not undoing Brexit, and we are not rejoining the single market or the customs union.

“But we are looking to make Brexit work in a ruthlessly pragmatic way. That is the spirit we are taking into the discussions with the EU, not a zero-sum game, but a win-win for both sides, with people in the UK and across the EU benefiting.”