Speaking on ITV news, Prime Minister Theresa May rejected Nicola Sturgeon’s request for a second referendum.
In response to Sturgeon’s hope for another referendum between autumn 2018 and spring 2019, May said that it would be “unfair” for the people of Scotland to cast another vote so early on in the Brexit process. She did not, however, rule out a second referendum indefinitely.
“My message is very clear – now is not the time. I’ve explained the reasons why. I think we should be working to get the right deal for Scotland and the UK with our future partnership with the European Union.
“It would be unfair to Scotland, the people of Scotland at the moment that they would be being asked to make a crucial decision without the information they need to make that decision.
“Just at this point, all our energies should be focused on our negotiations with the European Union about our future relationship. To be talking about an independence referendum will make it more difficult for us to be able to get the right deal for Scotland, and the right deal for the UK.” May told ITV News.
“And more than that, I think it wouldn’t be fair to the people of Scotland because they’re being asked to make a crucial decision without all the necessary information – without knowing what the future partnership would be, or what the alternative of an independent Scotland would look like.” she finished.
Sturgeon has since responded to Theresa’s May rejection, calling the Prime Minister undemocratic and “proof positive that the Tories fear the verdict of the Scottish people”.
In the process of invoking Article 50, May insists that it is essential the UK holds the right deal.
“We have pulled together as one and succeeded together. We are four nations, but at heart we are one people.”