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The Prime Minister insisted there was no need for Scotland to leave the UK after Brexit as he announced a major funding boost for Scottish farmers. Mr Johnson said he found it “hard to comprehend” why anyone would want to “tear the cross of St Andrew out of the Union Flag”.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, the Prime Minister added that he would “strain every nerve” to keep the UK together. He said: “No greater responsibility rests upon the Prime Minister than safeguarding and strengthening our Union and all that it represents. “I changed the title of my office to reflect this responsibility, ensuring that I am both Prime Minister of the UK and Minister for the Union.

Boris Johnson has attacked Nicola Sturgeon over her latest push for Scottish independence

The Prime Minister insisted there was no need for Scotland to leave the UK after Brexit

“The red, white and blue of our Union Flag symbolises everything we have achieved together as the most successful political and economic union in modern history. “People across the world see a country that stands for freedom, democracy and the rule of law. They admire the institutions we have created and nurtured.” READ MORE: ‘Nicola Sturgeon is talking tosh!’ Ruth Davidson lashes out at SNP

Mr Johnson added that he would “strain every nerve” to keep the UK together

Mr Johnson has travelled to Scotland today to announce the funding for Scottish farmers

The Prime Minister has faced a series of setbacks this week over Brexit and a general election

“What problem would that solve? I can think of plenty that such a destructive ambition would create. “As Minister for the Union, I will strain every nerve and sinew to strengthen and preserve all that we prize and cherish – and doggedly resist those who would seek to wrest us apart.” It follows renewed calls from the Scottish First Minister for independence post-Brexit despite Scotland voting against it in the 2014 referendum.

Who is Boris Johnson?

Ms Sturgeon has demanded Holyrood be given the power to hold a second legally binding Scottish independence referendum. With the Scottish Government having already brought forward legislation that could pave the way for such a vote, the First Minister confirmed earlier this week that she will “seek agreement to the transfer of power that will put the referendum beyond legal challenge”. Setting out her Programme of Government, Ms Sturgeon put her opponents on notice, saying: “Let me by crystal clear today - the SNP will put Scotland’s opposition to Brexit and our right to choose independence at the very heart of that contest.”

Ms Sturgeon is demanding a fresh Scottish independence referendum

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