Whirlwind tour of UK as May pledges to keep Britain united

With one year to go until Brexit, Theresa May is mounting a whirlwind tour of the four nations of the United Kingdom with a promise to keep the country “strong and united”.

Speaking to voters in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, Mrs May will say that, whether they voted Leave or Remain, what is important now is making Brexit “a success for everyone”.

The PM’s bid to heal divisions caused by the 2016 EU referendum comes as polls suggest voters are still split down the middle over whether or not the UK should leave. And the UK Government is facing stiff resistance from Edinburgh and Cardiff to plans to repatriate some powers from Brussels to London, rather than the devolved administrations.

Speaking ahead of her trip, Mrs May said: “I am determined that our future will be a bright one. It’s a future in which we trade freely with friends and partners across Europe and beyond.

“Having regained control of our laws, our borders and our money and seized the opportunities provided by Brexit, the UK will thrive as a strong and united country that works for everyone, no matter whether you voted Leave or Remain.”

Mrs May insisted that each of the devolved administrations will see “an increase in their decision-making powers” as a result of the return of responsibilities currently exercised by the EU.

Her Government remains “absolutely committed” to the devolution settlements, she said.

The PM will start the day by visiting textile workers at a factory in Ayrshire, before travelling to Newcastle to meet with a local parent and toddler group.

Theresa May is touring all four UK countries.