In this public lecture and Q&A, Michael Russell MSP, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs, and honorary professorial research fellow at the University of Glasgow, speaks about the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and Scottish independence.

The event was chaired by Professor Murray Pittock, Pro-Vice Principal and Bradley Chair of English Literature at the University, and was introduced by Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow.

Michael Russell spoke on three urgent issues:

  • COVID-19 pandemic: how has Scotland coped; how has it changed perceptions inside and outside government; how and who to rebuild the economy.
  • Brexit: Deal or No Deal, 2020-22 effects on Scotland; the Internal Market Bill.
  • IndyRef2: the road to a referendum; what independence is for in the terms of Scotland’s future relationships in the family of nations.

The talk was followed by questions from Professor Pittock and from the audience.

Scotland in a post-Brexit and post-pandemic world - Michael Russell MSP - YouTube

About Michael Russell

Brought up in Troon in Ayrshire and educated at Edinburgh University, he has lived in Argyll for over 20 years. Mr Russell was previously Minister for Environment from 2007 until 2009 and then served as Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution before moving to the role of Cabinet Secretary for Education which he held until 2014. He was appointed Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe in September 2016. He is the Constituency Member of the Scottish Parliament for Argyll & Bute.

About Murray Pittock

Murray Pittock MAE FRSE is Bradley Professor and Pro Vice-Principal at the University of Glasgow. His most recent books include Enlightenment in a Smart City: Edinburgh’s Civic Development 1660-1750 and Culloden and he is currently writing The Global History of Scotland for Yale. His report on Robert Burns and the Scottish Economy was submitted to the Scottish Government in January 2020.

First published: 19 November 2020

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