IT’S over a year since the UK left the EU and, on some matters, we are no further forward. This, of course, is a decision Scotland did not make for its future.

Disappointingly, the UK Government does not see involving the devolved governments as a priority in negotiating post-Brexit affairs. A key example of this is the Levelling Up agenda. The Scottish Government have not been involved nor consulted on any proposals which are ultimately devolved to the Scottish Parliament. Truthfully, it appears the UK Government are showing no respect for the devolved governments whatsoever.

We are still no further forward on the UK Government fulfilling their promise to replace EU funding which our businesses and communities greatly need. My colleague Richard Lochhead states that Scotland could lose out on hundred of millions if this promise is not fulfilled and has renewed calls to the UK Government to provide us with the answers.

Unfortunately, that is just one element of uncertainty. As chair of the Cross-Party Group on Germany, I have heard first-hand from members how increasingly difficult it is to for students and language assistants to take part in exchanges because of the UK visa regulations that are now in place post-Brexit.

Scotland has always been a welcoming nation, and even in post-Brexit times we aim to still be. We know international students have a positive impact socially and economically in our communities, and in Scotland overall. Scotland is proud to be a diverse nation.

We also want our own students to take part in exchange schemes with other countries. This again has become increasingly more difficult for our young people since the UK could no longer participate in the Erasmus scheme. I’m sure all students who previously participated in this scheme would agree it was a beneficial, even life-changing experience which helped forge their future paths.

For the future of our communities, it is important we fill these post-Brexit gaps.