In a new report, it outlines mechanisms for involving the devolved administrations in trade negotiations as well as setting out Scottish priorities for future UK trade policy.

The committee makes a number of recommendations to the UK government, among them, to commit to including representatives from the devolved administrations in the UK negotiating team for future trade agreements, with the understanding that devolved ministers will not deviate from the UK government negotiating position; to ensure that sectors of vital importance to the Scottish economy such as the food, drink & fisheries sectors are not traded away to secure preferential agreements for other industries; and to provide a rationale, and business consultation period, before any decisions to diverge from EU standards are made.

Chair of the committee Pete Wishart MP said: “The government has the immense task of setting a precedent for all future international trade talks post-Brexit.

“My committee heard evidence that Scotland needs a place at the negotiating table if UK trade deals are to stand a chance of benefitting the whole of the UK.”

He added: “The government should start building a UK wide trade strategy predicated on transparency and support for the devolved administrations by setting out how it will support Scottish industries that rely on free trade agreements that are still yet to be rolled over. The government cannot leave Scottish businesses in the dark.”