The UK Government has been warned not to “treat Scotland with contempt” over Brexit by the Scottish Government.

Scottish Brexit minister Michael Russell met his UK Government counterpart David Davis and other ministers in London on Thursday as part of the regular joint ministerial committee (JMC) meetings.

Ministers from both governments as well Wales and Northern Ireland discussed the Scottish Government’s proposals to keep Scotland in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves.

Davis described the paper as an “important contribution” in the meeting but raised questions about the practicalities of implementing its plans.

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Speaking after the meeting, Russell said: “I made it absolutely clear at today’s meeting that Scotland must not be treated with contempt but as an equal partner in the negotiating process.

“The people of Scotland overwhelmingly rejected a hard Brexit and it is absolutely crucial that this is respected to avoid an economic catastrophe.

“We need to see clear evidence from the UK Government that they will take forward the objective of keeping Scotland in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves, and time is running out for them to do so.”

He added: “It is extremely disappointing that the Prime Minister chose to disregard the process and make a significant announcement about her position two days before the JMC even considered our paper.

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“It is now clear that single market membership for the whole of the UK is no longer an option and this is hugely disappointing.

“However, there are other options set out in our paper, Scotland’s Place in Europe, and our focus now is to ensure the UK Government takes seriously our objective of keeping Scotland in the European single market.

“They need to demonstrate that this is the case because the clock is ticking. The views and economic interests of the people of Scotland cannot be disregarded and brushed aside.”

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced the UK would leave the single market and the customs union as part of Brexit.

Theresa May also reasserted her authority over European matters in her speech saying “foreign affairs are of course the responsibility of the UK Government, and in dealing with them we act in the interests of all parts of the United Kingdom”.

Her speech angered First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who said it increased the likelihood of a second independence referendum.

Davis said: “As the Prime Minister made clear in her speech, Brexit is a chance for us to build a stronger UK and strengthen the union between our four nations.

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“It is only by us coming together that we can fully grasp the opportunities that our departure presents.

“We will use the latest thinking and analysis shared at today’s meeting to inform our work to deliver an exit that works for the whole of the UK.”

In a newspaper article on Thursday, the Prime Minister said she did not believe the differing EU referendum result in Scotland and England means there should be a second independence referendum.