Councillors in Dundee have agreed to form a cross-party working group to ensure the city gets the best deal possible from Brexit.
Members of the policy and resources committee agreed to set up the working group, involving councillors, MPs, MSPs and other parties, after Labour group leader Kevin Keenan submitted a motion calling for its formation on Monday night.
The committee was debating a report on the implications of Brexit for Dundee.
Dundee has already lost its chance to become European Capital of Culture in 2023 as a result of the decision to leave the EU.
The report presented to councillors warned that cuts to public spending caused by Brexit could cause job losses while industry sectors such as tourism and farming could be hampered if bosses are no longer able to recruit workers from the EU.
The report also warned Dundee and Abertay universities could lose out on research grants.
It proposed setting up a Brexit advisory team of senior council officers.
SNP council leader and committee convener John Alexander said Brexit will have a number of inevitable consequences for Dundee.
He said: “This report is already out-of-date given how fast things are moving.
“Dundee didn’t vote for Brexit and a number of complex issues sit in the background for a process that will have consequences that are unavoidable.
“It’s already had a real impact in terms of our Capital of Culture bid, which remains a sore point. Our ambition to stage an event remains but it was a bitter blow.”
Mr Keenan then submitted a motion calling for the creation of a political cross-party working group to lobby on behalf of Dundee.
Mr Keenan said: “I think it is important we look a bit deeper toward what a lobbying strategy for Dundee could be.
“I am calling for a cross-party group to be put in place.
“I think everybody round this table has got Dundee’s best interests at heart and wants to make sure we get the best for Dundee.”
He added: “There is no point just hearing the bad news, we have to be proactive and face the issues.”
Mr Alexander accepted Mr Keenan’s motion and the committee agreed to set up the group.
Conservative West End councillor Donald Hay also voiced his party’s support.
“I share your concerns on all these issues,” he said.
