The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Sturgeon – Brexit draft is asking for a blind leap
First Minister in criticism of agreement after talks with Theresa May
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has described the latest draft of Theresa May’s Brexit agreement as a document which will ask people to “take a blindfold leap off a cliff”.
After holding talks with the Prime Minister in London, Ms Sturgeon said they had a “full, frank and calm” exchange of views.
The SNP leader said Mrs May had shown her the latest draft of her plan but claimed it was a “vague, aspirational document”.
She said: “I’ve seen today the current draft – it’s not binding, it doesn’t have legal effect and effectively it amounts to the House of Commons being asked to vote to exit the EU without knowing what comes next.
“That’s asking people to take a blindfold leap off a cliff edge and I have said all along I just don’t think that’s a reasonable or acceptable thing to do.
“Perhaps if there had been more willingness to listen to different voices over the past couple of years we would be in a better position now.
“There’s an argument that says we’re getting a little late in the day for that meaningful engagement but as long as the possibility is there I will take it.”
A Downing Street spokeswoman said Prime Minister Theresa May had told Ms Sturgeon the deal on the table is “the best deal that could have been negotiated”.
She said: “The Prime Minister made clear that we are negotiating a deal with the EU that works for all parts of the United Kingdom – Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland – and delivers on the result of the referendum.
“The deal will give Scottish businesses the clarity and certainty they need to protect jobs and living standards, and see us take back control of our waters, improving the fortunes of our fishermen.”
Ms Sturgeon also admitted she has not yet found common ground with Labour over an alternative Brexit deal after meeting UK party leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The First Minister held talks with Mr Corbyn in Westminster to try to coalesce around another way forward but said “we’re not there yet”.
The SNP leader said she had met all Opposition leaders and they were united in planning to vote down Mrs May’s deal, but claimed the next step was to agree on an alternative, citing a People’s Vote, single market membership and a customs union as options.
She said: “What I wouldn’t say is we got to the stage today where there’s an agreement that can be coalesced around one of those but, to be frank, that’s the responsibility of the Opposition.”