The Cabinet Secretary was supported by the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development.

The United Kingdom European Union membership referendum took place on 23 June 2016.

This position was established (initially as "Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe") so that the Scottish government would be involved in the development of the UK government's position before the Prime Minister triggered Article 50.

[3] It was further renamed to Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs in February 2020.

[4] The responsibilities of the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs included:[citation needed]