Independence vote, says Sturgeon
which she means the exit terms, the divorce deal, and the detail of the comprehensive free trade agreement – in other words the future relationship between the UK and the EU – will be clear before the UK exits the EU.
“When I put it to her that what she was suggesting was that in a period of 18 months to two years from now, the terms of the future relationship of the UK and the EU would be clear, she said yes that is what she was saying.”
The meeting came just a day before the Scottish Parliament is expected to pass a vote in favour of seeking another independence referendum, and two days before Mrs May is due to trigger Article 50.
Ms Sturgeon described the talks as “cordial” and “business-like”, although she said Mrs May had made no offer on powers to be devolved to Scotland as part of the Brexit process.
“I think it’s fair to say that there is still no real guarantee that powers repatriated to Brussels in areas that are currently devolved will not end up being centralised at Westminster, and there was no real willingness to talk about powers beyond that, for example powers over employment law or immigration.”
Asked about what would happen if her call for another referendum was formally rejected, Ms Sturgeon said: “If their position remains as it is right now, I will set out to Parliament what I think the next steps should be.”
Ahead of the meeting, Mrs May told reporters her position will not change on Ms Sturgeon’s call for a referendum by spring 2019.
She would not be drawn on whether a vote could take place further into the future, restating her view that “now is not the time” for another ballot.
The Prime Minister also vowed to build a “more united nation” as Britain leaves the EU.