Law Society of Scotland highlights priorities as Article 50 is triggered

Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, said leaving the EU was “arguably the biggest constitutional change for the UK since 1945”.

She added: “Exiting the EU involves many significant aspects, including economic, financial, legal, social, and cultural, which will affect everyone living in Britain and in Europe.

“As the negotiations move forward it will be crucial for the UK government to continue to engage with the devolved administrations and civic society to ensure their interests and priorities are considered. It will also to be vital to ensure stability in the law and maintain so far as possible, close collaboration in freedom, security and justice measures.

“As a firmly non-partisan organisation, the Law Society did not advocate one view or another in the referendum on EU membership. We recognised that there were differing views among our membership and following last year’s referendum result, we consulted with solicitors from across Scotland before producing a set of priorities which include continuing the ability for our members to work in the EU and calling for clarification on the position of EU nationals working in the UK, including those who are working in the legal profession.

“We have been promoting to the UK and Scottish governments, the House of Commons Committee on Exiting the EU and the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee.”