PM vows to keep the UK together

PR I M E M i n i ste r Bor i s Johnson has renewed attacks on campaigners pushing for Scottish independence, saying he will “strain every ne r ve” to keep t he U K together.

Although Scotland voted against independence in its 2014 referendum, the issue has maintained prominence, with many campaigners pushing to revisit the question after Britain leaves the EU.

Mr Johnson today insisted there would be no reason for Scotland to leave a post-Brexit UK, as he detailed a major boost in funding to assist Scottish farmers.

“No greater responsibility rests upon the prime minister than safeguarding and strengthening our Union and all it represents,” Mr Johnson wrote in a newspaper column.

He added he had changed the title of his office, to “Prime Minister of the UK and Minister for the Union” – to reflect this.

“The red, white and blue of our Union flag symbolises everything we have achieved together as the most successful political and economic union in modern history.

“People across the world see a country that stands for freedom, democracy and the rule of law. They admire the institutions we have created and nurtured.”

Mr Johnson said such achievements were gained not by E n g l a n d , S c o t l a n d , Wa l e s o r Northern Ireland individually, but by “the combined genius of our peoples”.

“I find it hard to comprehend why anyone would wish to break apart a successful country,” he wrote.

“As Minister for the Union, I will strain every nerve and sinew to strengthen and preserve all that we prize and cherish – and doggedly resist those who would seek to wrest us apart.”

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has demanded Holyrood be given the power to hold a second legally binding Scottish independence referendum.