THE UK government's approach to Brexit has been "a rejection of the principle of devolution", the first ministers of Wales and Scotland have said.

Carwyn Jones and Nicola Sturgeon met in Edinburgh yesterday, Tuesday, to discuss the ongoing process of leaving the European Union.

The two leaders, both of whom opposed Brexit both before and after last year's referendum, agreed to work work together to propose changes to the UK government's EU Withdrawal Bill.

The Welsh and Scottish governments both have the power to refuse Westminster consent to pass the Brexit bill. But this is not legally binding and the UK government can proceed as it sees fit.

In a joint statement the two first ministers said: "Since the vote to leave the EU the approach of the UK government to withdrawal has been a rejection of the principle of devolution and the sharing of decision making across these islands, clearly chosen by the people of Scotland and Wales.

"Most recently the UK government has published position papers which involve the vital interests of Scotland and Wales but which have been prepared without the involvement of the devolved administrations.

"Most seriously, the UK government’s EU Withdrawal Bill is an unashamed move to centralise decision making power in Westminster, cutting directly across current devolved powers and responsibilities."

They added: "To provide a constructive way forward the Scottish and Welsh Governments are now working to agree potential amendments to the bill which would address our concerns.

"We are also coordinating our advice to the Parliament and Assembly to ensure they fully understand our concerns and our alternative proposals.

"It will now be for the UK government to respond positively to our suggested amendments to move negotiations forward and ensure there is a functioning legal system on withdrawal from the EU and agreed UK structures, where these are required, that reflect the views and interests of all parts of the UK and respect devolved powers and responsibilities."

But, speaking before yesterday's meeting, leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies called the summit "an unhelpful sideshow".

"It’s yet more evidence of a Welsh Labour government which is happy to sit on the sidelines complaining rather than taking a positive and proactive approach to making Brexit work for everyone," he said.

"The first minister needs to put party interest aside and work constructively for the good of the country as a whole."