THE First Minister stepped up her demand for a new vote on independence as she responded to Theresa May’s resignation statement.
As Tory MPs began backing hardline Brexiteer Boris Johnson for next Tory leader – and prime minister – Nicola Sturgeon called for a General Election, a People’s Vote and a second independence referendum.
She warned May’s departure as Tory leader on June 7 would “not solve the Brexit mess” and said it would be wrong for May’s successor to take office without calling a General Election.
“I wish Theresa May well. She and I had profound disagreements – not least on her handling of Brexit and her disregard for Scotland’s interests,” said the First Minister.
“However, leadership is tough – especially in these times – and she deserves thanks for her service.
“Her departure will not solve the Brexit mess that the Tories have created. Only putting the matter back to the people can do that.”
READ MORE: Is Theresa May the worst PM in history? Yes she is... this is why
READ MORE: Theresa May never understood Scotland or Scots
READ MORE: Few tears shed in Scotland as Theresa May quits as Prime Minister
She added: “Given current circumstances, it also feels deeply wrong for another Tory to be installed in No 10 without a General Election.
“The prospect of an even more hardline Brexiteer now becoming PM and threatening a no-deal exit is deeply concerning.
“Added to the experience of the past three years, this makes it all the more important that Scotland is given the choice of becoming an independent country.”
Ian Blackford, the SNP Westminster leader (pictured below), said independence was the only way to protect Scotland’s interests and also renewed calls for a second EU referendum.
The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber warned the prospect of Johnson as prime minister was “utterly horrifying” and increased the threat to Scotland.
Wishing May “well for the future” he added: “The prospect of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister in hock to the right wing of his party and the politics of Nigel Farage will be utterly horrifying to people across Scotland, and raises the threat we face as the Tories lurch even further to the extremes – putting jobs, living standards, public services, and the economy at risk.
“Scotland has been completely ignored throughout the Brexit process and any pretence that we will be treated as an equal partner in the UK has long gone. It is now clearer than ever that the only way to properly protect Scotland’s interests is by becoming an independent country.”
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said “nobody could have worked harder” and May had his “utmost respect”, but added she had “become an impediment to the resolution of Brexit”.
Coming a day after the European elections – with the results expected to show Tory voters flocking to Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party – he added: “Yesterday’s elections will surely show that delivering Brexit is now more urgent than ever, and that will fall to a new Prime Minister.
“It’s time to get on with the process of appointing one.”
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson (pictured above) said the PM’s time in office had been characterised by “hard work, resilience” and “quiet dignity”.
She said: “Theresa May knew when she took on the job of prime minister that the challenges facing our country were unprecedented.
“Her time in office has been characterised by the hard work, resilience, quiet dignity and attention to detail for which she is known.”
She added: “Above all, by opposing the SNP’s call for an immediate second independence referendum in 2017, the Prime Minister demonstrated her resolute commitment to the Union and to Scotland’s place in it.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel