Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made it quite clear that Scotland wants to remain in the EU, saying that the majority north of the border voted that way. She is not ruling out another independence referendum to split away from the rest of the UK and make its own way within the EU.
PM Theresa May: We will make Britain a country that works not for a privileged few but for every one of us.https://t.co/pSGEr3Wkxh
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) 13 July 2016
Theresa May, on the other hand is desperate not to lose Scotland and keen to bring Sturgeon and her team into the Brexit negotiations. Speaking ahead of the visit, May said:
"I believe with all my heart in the United Kingdom — the precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This visit to Scotland is my first as Prime Minister and I'm coming here to show my commitment to preserving this special union that has endured for centuries."
"And I want to say something else to the people of Scotland too: the government I lead will always be on your side. Every decision we take, every policy we take forward, we will stand up for you and your family — not the rich, the mighty or the powerful."
Congratulations to the new Prime Minister @theresa_may — despite our differences, I hope we can build a constructive working relationship
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) July 13, 2016
"That's because I believe in a union, not just between the nations of the United Kingdom, but between all of our citizens. Whether it's reforming the economy or strengthening our society, we are going to build a better Britain and a nation that works for everyone — not just the privileged few," May said.
Edinburgh v London
She will have her work cut out, however. Sturgeon warned: "She said: "I have been absolutely clear on this issue — the people of Scotland voted decisively to stay part of the European Union and their wishes must be respected."
"For us remain means remain" — @NicolaSturgeon's message to Theresa May. RT if you agree. #ScoEU pic.twitter.com/jIgAXp0Qg5
— The SNP (@theSNP) 13 July 2016
"That includes respect from the UK Government, which is why Philip Hammond's comments are deeply disappointing — I very much hope the new Prime Minister will be more open to constructive discussion.
"The Scottish Government is pursuing every possible avenue to protect out place in Europe — which of course means protecting businesses' freedom to trade, the ability of workers to be protected and our right to continue to influence EU decisions."
If she goes for an independence vote, it will throw the UK into further chaos — causing market unrest at a critical time — and she faces years of negotiations to join the EU as a new member. Theresa May will be banking on that reality when she has her first meeting with the first minister.
