‘Talks must involve all parties’

The SNP’s new Westminster leader has made a final plea for the Conservatives to “reach out to others” before starting Brexit negotiations on Monday.

Ian Blackford said the electorate delivered a “mortal blow” to any thoughts of a hard Brexit in the recent general election and that negotiations should proceed on an allparty basis, with the involvement of devolved administrations.

The election result, which saw the prime minister lose her Commons majority, led to speculation a cross-party approach to Brexit could soften the government’s approach.

Last week, the Scottish Government’s Brexit minister Mike Russell called on the UK Government to “reset the process and substance” of the negotiation process.

Mr Russell said a blueprint for a softer Brexit already exists in Scotland’s Place In Europe document that the Scottish Government produced in December, including membership of the single market among its proposals.

Speaking a day before talks with the EU begin, Mr Blackford said: “Theresa May asked the electorate to strengthen her hand, but instead they have cut the Tories down to size – voters gave a clear instruction that the Conservatives cannot govern alone and must now reach out to others.

“The prime minister must ensure the Brexit negotiations are representative of all of the UK nations – something which is backed by Scottish business leaders – and that will aim for an outcome which protects Scotland’s interests, particularly our continued place in the Single Market.”

The SNP group leader said the minority government must also change course on austerity.

“They have cut the Tories down to size”