Sturgeon’s fears over a ‘hardline Brexiteer’

It is “deeply concerning” a “hardline Brexiteer” could become the next prime minister and threaten a no-deal exit from the EU, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Following Theresa May’s announcement that she would be stepping down on June 7, the first minister warned her departure would “not solve the Brexit mess”.

She said it would be wrong for Mrs May’s successor to take office without calling a general election.

Ms Sturgeon added Mrs May’s resignation also outlines the importance of Scotland being given the chance to vote again on the question of independence.

The first minister said: “I wish Theresa May well. She and I had profound disagreements – not least on her handling of Brexit and her disregard for Scotland’s interests.

“However, leadership is tough – especially in these times – and she deserves thanks for her service.

“Her departure will not solve the Brexit mess that the Tories have created.

“Only putting the matter back to the people can do that.”

She added: “Given current circumstances, it also feels deeply wrong for another Tory to be installed in Number 10 without a general election.

“The prospect of an even more hardline Brexiteer now becoming PM and threatening a no-deal exit is deeply concerning.

“Added to the experience of the past three years, this makes it all the more important that Scotland is given the choice of becoming an independent country.”

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said Mrs May had his “utmost respect”. He said: “I am very sorry it has come to this.

“Nobody could have worked harder, or shown a greater sense of public duty, in delivering the result of the EU referendum than Theresa May.

“She has my utmost respect for those endeavours, in the most challenging of circumstances, as well as her unswerving commitment to the union.”