Lord Mandelson has suggested the Scottish Government could be the UK’s best bet for avoiding a “disastrous” hard Brexit.
The architect of New Labour told the Press and Journal that Nicola Sturgeon’s administration had a “pivotal role to play” in knocking back Eurosceptic “hardliners” in Westminster who are currently “calling the shots”.
But the former EU commissioner warned supporters of independence away from backing a hard Brexit in a bid to “justify” separation.
First Minister Ms Sturgeon has angled for a greater role in Theresa May’s Brexit negotiations.
The Conservative administration claimed it is committed to “working very closely” with devolved administrations ahead of the triggering of Article 50 – the process to leave the EU.
Lord Mandelson told the Press and Journal: “In my view, Scotland and the Scottish Government have a pivotal role to play in fighting a disastrous Brexit outcome following the referendum.
“The hardliners in Westminster are calling the shots. They are the most vocal and are closing down options for the UK.
“The Scottish Government can help reopen these options. Theresa May has said she wants an approach that suits the UK as a whole so she must be kept to this promise.”
Lord Mandelson – who was a prominent Remain campaigner – said the UK “needs maximum continuity on … trade and investment with Europe”.
He added: “If we do not do this then over time a hard Brexit would have a devastating effect on the UK economy, hitting exports of goods, financial and other services, as well as scientific research and academic networks.
“That is why we must combat those in London like Trade Secretary Liam Fox who are arguing for a clean break between Britain and Europe.
“We need a new treaty between the UK and EU which creates as positive and cooperative a relationship as possible.”
Such a deal, Lord Mandelson said, should be a “middle ground” between breaking preferential trade ties completely and remaining in the European Economic Area “with the costs and conditions attached to this”.
He added: “We need an outcome that is between the two that delivers maximum benefit, but is politically acceptable given the result (of the EU referendum).
“This is what I want the Scottish Government to argue for, along with Wales and Northern Ireland and those parts of England – such as London and the north of England – who know the importance of our EU ties.”
He said the future of the UK could be “threatened” by a ‘hard Brexit’, adding: “Some nationalists might want the hardest Brexit of all in order to justify severing links, but this would be very short sighted because in the process it would finish the UK and Scottish economy.”
