Prime Minister hits out at SNP over second referendum

May said Scotland is now on course for more uncertainty and division.

Prime Minister hits out at SNP over second referendum

Theresa May has accused the Scottish National Party of having ‘tunnel vision’ and ‘playing politics’ as it looks to hold a second independence referendum.

Earlier today Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said another referendum could take place between Autumn 2018 and Spring 2019 to give Scots the choice to accept a hard Brexit or establish its own relationship with Europe as an independent country.

May said: “As we negotiate to leave the European Union I want to negotiate an agreement that is going to work or the whole of the United Kingdom and that includes the Scottish people.

“The tunnel vision that the SNP has shown today is deeply regrettable.

“It sets Scotland on a course for more uncertainty and division… and this is at a time when the evidence is that the majority of the Scottish people do not want a second independence referendum.

“Instead of playing politics with the future of our country the Scottish government should focus on delivering good government and public services to the people of Scotland.

“Politics is not a game.”

Sturgeon said she will seek the authority of the Scottish Parliament next week to legislate for a second referendum with the UK government.

May didn’t comment on whether parliament will stand in the way of another referendum.

In the 2014 independence vote Scotland voted to remain by 55% to 45%.

However the UK voted to leave the European Union in June 2016 despite 63% of Scots wanting to Remain.