Tory leader abandons conciliatory language to tell Scots to accept Hard Brexit
SCOTLAND should accept the Tories dragging the country out of the European Union despite the 62 per cent vote in favour of remain, according to prime minister Theresa May.
May, addressing the Tory part conference, abandoned any pretence of respecting the result of the referendum in Scotland, and attacked the “divisive” tactics of those who want Scotland to stay within the EU.
May, also confirming that Article 50 will be triggered before the end of March next year, signalled that border controls were a red-line issue for the Tories, which the 27 other European Union countries say will hit trade relationships.
“The prime minister is going out of her way to say Scotland's voice and interests don't matter. Strange approach from someone who wants to keep UK together.” Nicola Sturgeon
“We will leave the EU as one UK. There is no opt-out from Brexit," she said, in a pointed remark towards those who want Scotland to stay in the EU.
All 32 electoral areas of Scotland voted to remain in the EU. Following the result four of Scotland’s five main political parties respected the result, and said they would seek to keep Scotland in the union of 28 nation states.
Theresa May, following her selection as Tory leader, promised to agree a UK-wide position on the future of negotiations. However, her rhetoric to the party conference confirms a future clash with the Scottish Government over Brexit.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, response: “[The] prime minister [is] going out of her way to say Scotland's voice and interests don't matter. Strange approach from someone who wants to keep UK together.”
May, under pressure from the right-wing of her party and Ukip, will demand control over immigration levels as part of Brexit talks.
We are not leaving the European Union only to give up control of immigration again," she said.
Economic experts warn that a hard Brexit would damage financial services, exports, manufacturing, agriculture, science and university sectors, as well as creating further insecurity for EU nationals.
Scottish Government minister Mike Russell warned last week that such a scenario brings a “nightmare” of economic threats.
Following May’s speech, he added that the Scottish parliament will consider blocking any Brexit ‘repeal bill’, which is now expected in the next legislative programme at Westminster.
Picture courtesy of Conservative
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