Nicola Sturgeon welcomes "solidarity shown towards Scotland" during Germany trip

Nicola Sturgeon - credit: YouTube

Nicola Sturgeon has welcomed “the solidarity shown towards Scotland as an enthusiastic part of the EU” following post-referendum talks with the German Government during a trip to Berlin.

Sturgeon met with German minister of state for Europe Michael Roth as part of talks focusing on the next steps for the EU, the UK and Scotland.

The First Minister has previously stated her intention to “protect Scotland’s place in the EU” following the UK vote for Brexit.

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Speaking afterwards Roth described the meeting as “a very pleasant and constructive conversation between two dedicated pro-Europeans”, which he said “demonstrated once again that a degree of Europe’s strength lies in its diversity”.

Roth said the EU was much more than an internal market and had to strengthen its role as a community of shared values.

Sturgeon said: “Today’s discussion has been a welcome and constructive opportunity to strengthen our relations to discuss the way forward for the European Union and how all voices can be heard in that process.

“Scotland chose to remain in the European Union, and the solidarity shown toward Scotland as an enthusiastic part of the EU - demonstrated once again in today’s talks here in Berlin – has been very welcome.”

Scottish Secretary David Mundell will hold talks with key industries in Scotland about the impact of the decision to leave the EU.

He said: “My task is to ensure that Scottish voices and interests are at the centre of the negotiations to come, and that is why this engagement is so important.

“We are determined to take a 'Team UK' approach to this process, working closely with the Scottish government and other partners as we form our negotiating strategy, and we will look at any suggestions they put forward.”