Sturgeon dismisses ‘bizarre’ approach

Nicola Sturgeon has again urged the Prime Minister to give the Scottish Government a “meaningful role” in Brexit negotiations after Theresa May restated plans to remove Britain from both the European single market and the customs union.

The Prime Minister used a key speech in London to set out her vision of a future relationship with the European Union which she said Britons could unite behind to create a “stronger and more cohesive nation”.

However, the First Minister branded the Government’s “determination” to pursue a hard Brexit – that would remove the UK from the single market and the customs union – as “bizarre”.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU and it is time for the UK Government to take seriously the proposals we have made to keep Scotland and the whole of the UK in the single market and customs union.

“It is regrettable that the UK Government has consistently failed to engage properly with the Scottish and other devolved governments, and it is essential we now have a meaningful role in the forthcoming negotiations.”

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “Theresa May’s shambolic handling of Brexit has sent the United Kingdom hurtling towards a constitutional crisis with damaging consequences in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said the speech had “only strengthened the case for giving the British people a vote on the final deal, with an option to stay in the EU”.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson insisted the PM had “set out a pragmatic, realistic plan” for future negotiations.

Nicola Sturgeon.