A BLUEPRINT for a special post-Brexit deal between Scotland and the EU will be published by the end of the year.
The detailed Scottish Government plans will explain how the country could maintain membership of the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves and proposals for sweeping new powers to be transferred to Holyrood.
The timetable was confirmed by Mike Russell, the SNP Brexit Minister, who warned the UK Government not to treat Scotland as a "consultee or a stakeholder" in the Brexit process. Nicola Sturgeon again called on the UK Government to consider backing a bespoke Scottish agreement, despite London appearing to rule the option out.
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But the Scottish Government came under a renewed attack from Conservative MSPs for an "obsession" with independence after last week publishing a draft bill for a second referendum. The First Minister has indicated that she will move for a fresh vote on leaving the UK if her demands are rejected.
Mr Russell said that he "could not afford to lose a single day" with Theresa May committing to triggering Article 50 - formal notice for leaving the EU - by the end of March.
He said: "There is at present no coherent UK plan. However, there has to be a Scottish plan. The Scottish Government will, by the end of this year, bring forward our own detailed proposals to protect Scotland’s interests. A key part of those proposals will be ways in which we can maintain membership of the single market for Scotland, even if the rest of the UK leaves."
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He added that it makes "no logical, political or economic sense" for the UK to refuse to consider a bespoke deal in light of reports that Number 10 is considering separate agreements for certain industries, such as financial services or car manufacturers.
Ms Sturgeon echoed that statement, saying: "We are working with a blank sheet of paper, and there are many downsides to working with a blank sheet of paper - but one of the upsides is that it gives you the opportunity to write what you want on that sheet of paper.
"There is already a discussion about flexibility, and I think it is important that Scotland is part of that discussion. It would be wrong, and not credible, for the UK Government to consider flexible solutions for other areas or sectors but close their mind for that in Scotland."
However, Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins accused the Scottish Government of "wasting everybody's time" with the push for a new independence referendum.
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He said: "We've already answered this question, we said no, and the SNP signed an agreement that they would abide by and respect the answer, so why have they ratted on that agreement?"
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