Theresa May shuts down Nicola Sturgeon’s Brexit moan as she focuses on getting good deal ‘for the UK as a whole’
SNP leader urged PM to "heed the voice of Scotland" in Brexit talks
THERESA May shot down Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday after she urged the PM to “heed the voice of Scotland” in Brexit talks.
The PM has already made it clear the devolved administrations will not be given a decisive role in Brexit divorce talks.
Ahead of a meeting today with leaders in Cardiff, she warned they “will not agree on everything”.
And Mrs May reminded Ms Sturgeon she was focused on the “right deal for the UK as a whole”.
It came as a new poll showed more than half of Scots don’t want a second independence referendum.
Nicola Sturgeon wants Scotland to remain in the European single market even if the UK leaves, reflecting the majority Remain vote north of the border.
She claimed the UK Government was showing “no sign whatsoever” of taking Scotland’s position “remotely seriously”.
Proposals to stay in the single market have also been pushed by Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones and Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood.
Mrs May said all proposals from the devolved Governments were being “studied carefully”.
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She said: “The United Kingdom voted to leave the EU, and the UK Government has a responsibility to deliver on that mandate and secure the right deal for the whole of the UK.
“We all have a part to play in providing certainty and leadership so that together we can make a success of the opportunities ahead.
“We will not agree on everything, but that doesn’t mean we will shy away from the necessary conversations and I hope we will have further constructive discussions today.
“We should not forget that that means MPs representing every community in the UK will be fully involved in the passage of Article 50 through parliament.”
The Panelbase survey of 1,020 voters for the Sunday Times found 51% are not supportive of a second referendum within the next two years.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said another ballot on the issue is highly likely after the UK voted to leave the European Union.
The poll found support for a second independence referendum before Brexit has fallen from 43% following the vote.