COSLA and EU local government committee express disappointment over Brexit vote

Photo credit: Press Association

Local government bodies in Scotland and the EU have expressed regret at the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

Commenting on the result of the referendum, COSLA president Councillor David O’Neill said: “COSLA backed Remain on a cross-party basis and as an organisation we have a leading role and strong influence in Europe so we are clearly disappointed with the outcome. 

“We now need to consider the implications going forward. There is no doubt that it will take time for the detail of what impact the decision to leave the EU will have on us – but in the meantime, as always, COSLA will continue to provide advice, information and support for our member councils in the best interests of both local government and our communities.”

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The European Union Committee of the Regions president Markku Markkula said: “The people of the United Kingdom have decided to shape their future outside the European Union.

“The European Committee of the Regions, the EU's political assembly of local and regional representatives, regrets but respects this decision.

“This comes at a time when not only in Europe but across the globe, we must focus all our resources in tackling existing burning societal, economic and environmental challenges

“The departure of one of the EU's member states should be done according to the EU treaties.

“During and long-after the transition period, we will continue to work with our friends and colleagues from local and regional authorities across the United Kingdom.”

The Committee of the Regions is the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives from all 28 member states.

It was created in 1994 to involve regional and local authorities in the EU's decision-making process and to keep them informed about EU policies.

The committee is made up of councillors from local authorities across the EU.

The full COSLA Convention met today, where a debate was held about the referendum, as well as new members chosen to sit on European local government bodies the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.

A report by COSLA on the implications for local government of the EU referendum result is to follow.