‘Dreadful’ statement suggests PM has not listened – Sturgeon

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described Theresa May’s statement on the Brexit negotiations as “dreadful”, and said a nodeal or “no-detail” Brexit was not acceptable.

“The prime minister’s statement was dreadful,” she said.

“Clearly, the prime minister has not been listening. Chequers is a dead duck but if her tactic now is to try and double down on those proposals and then seek to blame the EU for a no-deal outcome, then she will do huge damage to all of those she is supposed to serve.

“What the latest development shows more clearly than ever is that the only remotely workable way for Brexit to happen is for the UK to stay in the single market and customs union.”

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “It is in everyone’s interest for a deal to be agreed between the UK and the EU, to facilitate free trade and mutual co-operation.

“I do not wish for the UK to leave the EU without such a deal.

“However, I am pleased that the Prime Minister has given categorical reassurance to EU citizens living in Britain that, should such a scenario come to pass, their rights remain intact.”

Scottish Labour’s Brexit spokesman Neil Findlay said: “Rather than negotiating constructively with Brussels, the Tories seem more comfortable fighting among themselves, while Ruth Davidson has done nothing but pay lip service to a Prime Minister wildly out of her depth.

“Meanwhile the prospect of a no deal Brexit grows more likely by the day.

“That is unacceptable and risks our economic future.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said Theresa May “said Brexit meant Brexit when she didn’t know what it meant”.

He added: “She’s had two years to convince Europe but has failed.

“She’s had her chance, we now need a People’s Vote,” he added.

Nicola Sturgeon