Labour wants deal for Scotland

The Scottish Labour leader has called on Prime Minister Theresa May to secure the “best possible deal” for Scotland in the Brexit negotiations.

Writing to the prime minister ahead of the formal two-year process of leaving the EU being triggered on Wednesday, Kezia Dugdale raised the possibility of a differentiated deal for Scotland and outlined a list of requirements including retaining access to the single market and freedom of movement.

She wrote: “I believe a deal can be negotiated, on differential terms if necessary, which ensures that the interests of people across the UK are well- represented. It is vital that your government works closely with the devolved administrations in the months ahead, and all constitutional focus must be on securing the best Brexit deal for the UK.

“The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has committed to working tirelessly in the pursuit of the best deal for the people of Wales.

“It is disappointing that the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon is ready to disengage from the process.” Ms Dugdale also called for a guarantee of the rights for EU nationals currently in the UK, continued access to EU research funds and to the Erasmus student exchange programme.

She said a hard no-deal Brexit would lead to a drop in Scottish wages of around £2,000 a year and the loss of 80,000 jobs.

An SNP spokesman said: “The next two years will determine the kind of country Scotland will be.

“So, once the terms of Brexit are clear the people of Scotland should have the final say on their future.

“That’s why the firstminister set out a plan to give people a choice between Brexit and becoming an independent country.”

Kezia Dugdale has written to PM Theresa May