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Theresa May heads to Scotland for talks with Nicola Sturgeon Theresa May heads to Scotland for talks with Nicola Sturgeon
(about 1 month later)
Theresa May will travel to Edinburgh to meet Nicola Sturgeon on Friday, in what will be the new prime minister’s first visit since taking office.Theresa May will travel to Edinburgh to meet Nicola Sturgeon on Friday, in what will be the new prime minister’s first visit since taking office.
Following her unsparing cabinet reshuffle, May will meet Scotland’s first minister at her official residence, Bute House, where the prime minister has said she intends to emphasise her strong personal support for the Union, as well as her commitment to fully engaging with the Scottish government in the coming Brexit negotiations.Following her unsparing cabinet reshuffle, May will meet Scotland’s first minister at her official residence, Bute House, where the prime minister has said she intends to emphasise her strong personal support for the Union, as well as her commitment to fully engaging with the Scottish government in the coming Brexit negotiations.
Related: Theresa May's decisive reshuffle draws line under Cameron era
Speaking before the visit, May repeated her pledge to protect the “precious bond” of the United Kingdom, which she first made on the steps of Downing Street on Wednesday.Speaking before the visit, May repeated her pledge to protect the “precious bond” of the United Kingdom, which she first made on the steps of Downing Street on Wednesday.
“I believe with all my heart in the United Kingdom – the precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This visit to Scotland is my first as prime minister and I’m coming here to show my commitment to preserving this special union that has endured for centuries.”“I believe with all my heart in the United Kingdom – the precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This visit to Scotland is my first as prime minister and I’m coming here to show my commitment to preserving this special union that has endured for centuries.”
May also promised the Scottish people that her government “will always be on your side”.May also promised the Scottish people that her government “will always be on your side”.
“Every decision we take, every policy we take forward, we will stand up for you and your family – not the rich, the mighty or the powerful.“Every decision we take, every policy we take forward, we will stand up for you and your family – not the rich, the mighty or the powerful.
“That’s because I believe in a union, not just between the nations of the United Kingdom, but between all of our citizens. Whether it’s reforming the economy or strengthening our society, we are going to build a better Britain and a nation that works for everyone – not just the privileged few.”“That’s because I believe in a union, not just between the nations of the United Kingdom, but between all of our citizens. Whether it’s reforming the economy or strengthening our society, we are going to build a better Britain and a nation that works for everyone – not just the privileged few.”
Speaking to the BBC’s Reporting Scotland on Thursday evening, Sturgeon said that it was incumbent on supporters of the Union to prove that this was the best way of protecting Scotland’s interests following the vote to leave the EU.Speaking to the BBC’s Reporting Scotland on Thursday evening, Sturgeon said that it was incumbent on supporters of the Union to prove that this was the best way of protecting Scotland’s interests following the vote to leave the EU.
Related: Nicola Sturgeon: Scottish parliament could block Brexit
The SNP leader insisted: “I am determined to protect Scotland’s interests – many of our interests are now at risk because of the Brexit vote. The question is can I do that through the UK processes. It may reach a conclusion that independence is the only way to protect those interests.”The SNP leader insisted: “I am determined to protect Scotland’s interests – many of our interests are now at risk because of the Brexit vote. The question is can I do that through the UK processes. It may reach a conclusion that independence is the only way to protect those interests.”
“For those who advance the UK there is an onus of responsibility in light of the referendum to demonstrate that the UK is capable of protecting Scotland’s interests. I’m determined to find options within the UK context and process to do that.”“For those who advance the UK there is an onus of responsibility in light of the referendum to demonstrate that the UK is capable of protecting Scotland’s interests. I’m determined to find options within the UK context and process to do that.”
Earlier on Thursday, Nicola Sturgeon described as “deeply disappointing” the comments made by the new chancellor, Philip Hammond, when he said that he could not envisage a scenario where Scotland has a different relationship with the EU from the rest of the UK.Earlier on Thursday, Nicola Sturgeon described as “deeply disappointing” the comments made by the new chancellor, Philip Hammond, when he said that he could not envisage a scenario where Scotland has a different relationship with the EU from the rest of the UK.
Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme on Thursday, Hammond insisted that “the best future for Scotland is inside the United Kingdom economy” and that Scotland should be part of a UK-wide position of negotiating “from outside the European Union”. He also dismissed the idea that Scotland would have a separate relationship with the European single market.Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme on Thursday, Hammond insisted that “the best future for Scotland is inside the United Kingdom economy” and that Scotland should be part of a UK-wide position of negotiating “from outside the European Union”. He also dismissed the idea that Scotland would have a separate relationship with the European single market.
Sturgeon said: “I have been absolutely clear on this issue – the people of Scotland voted decisively to stay part of the European Union and their wishes must be respected.”Sturgeon said: “I have been absolutely clear on this issue – the people of Scotland voted decisively to stay part of the European Union and their wishes must be respected.”
“That includes respect from the UK government, which is why Philip Hammond’s comments are deeply disappointing – I very much hope the new prime minister will be more open to constructive discussion.”“That includes respect from the UK government, which is why Philip Hammond’s comments are deeply disappointing – I very much hope the new prime minister will be more open to constructive discussion.”