May has ‘weeks’ to avert new independence vote

Sturgeon says PM is refusing to compromise on Brexit approach

Theresa May has just weeks to prove she is prepared to compromise over Brexit or risk a snap independence referendum, says Nicola Sturgeon.

The First Minister says she has seen “no willingness” from the UK Government to “meet in the middle” for an agreed approach to negotiations with Brussels.

Speaking after talks between the Prime Minister and devolved leaders, the SNP leader dangled the prospect of calling a second vote on secession from the UK as early as March.

Ms Sturgeon said it is “clear that so far it is only the Scottish Government – not the UK Government – that has made any effort at a compromise or to secure an agreement”.

She said the next few weeks will be crucial for her to “judge whether Scotland’s voice is going to be heard at all in this process”.

Asked if such a timescale could see her announce another vote on independence by March, she added: “I’ll do what needs to be done to protect Scotland’s position.”

A senior SNP source indicated there is a deadline of “weeks” for Mrs May to give ground on the Scottish Government’s compromises or face an independence referendum.

Leaders of the UK’s devolved administrations met Mrs May in Cardiff yesterday to discuss the approach to Brexit. High on the agenda was the Brexit proposals put forward by the SNP, which includes arrangements for Scotland to stay in the single market while part of a UK that has left.

A communiqué issued following the meeting said consideration of the proposals from the devolved administrations is an “ongoing process”. Talks between the UK Government and the devolved administrations “will need to be intensified”, it added. A UK Government source said officials are looking at the Scottish Government’s proposals in “minute detail”.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell questioned whether the SNP’s call for a separate deal is based on needs or ideology, as he called for a “full and frank discussion” in the weeks ahead.

“The question is not about can there be differentiation (for Scotland), the question is whether Scotland would benefit from differentiation, and that’s what really has got to be at the heart of these intense discussions,” he said.

Picture: Getty Images. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon leaves Cardiff City Hall yesterday following talks between Prime Minister Theresa May and devolved leaders.