SCOTLAND’S top rural politicians have called on new Defra minister Michael Gove to give them a bigger say in the UK's Brexit negotiations.

Writing to Mr Gove this week, both rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing and environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham expressed disappointment that previous and upcoming discussions with the UK Government had been cancelled by Defra, noting that only two of this year's 'monthly' ministerial meetings had actually taken place.

Ms Cunningham said: “We expect regular and substantive dialogue on a range of Brexit issues and the disappointing lack of engagement from the UK Government thus far must not be allowed to continue. We have said before that we want to see a new, more inclusive approach from the UK Government, with the process opened up to more voices and more parties and to all four nations of the UK."

Mr Ewing added: “We have been very clear throughout this process that the devolved administrations must be considered equal partners in the negotiations and we expect genuine engagement in the process. It is simply unacceptable to have UK Ministers unilaterally cancelling meetings, which involve four partners at short notice and without consultation.

“Brexit affects us all, with Scottish agriculture and rural communities particularly reliant on the EU for investment, labour and financial support," he said. “Our ministerial meetings have a key role to play in this process, and we are calling on UK Government Ministers to fulfil their commitment to regular and practical dialogue on these matters.”