Nicola Sturgeon: Theresa May is running out time to stop IndyRef2 Theresa May is running out of time to approve the Scottish Government’s compromise deal on Brexit and prevent the SNP […]

Theresa May is running out of time to approve the Scottish Government’s compromise deal on Brexit and prevent the SNP calling a second referendum on independence, Nicola Sturgeon has warned.

Amid growing speculation that she may call a re-run of 2014’s vote when the UK’s formal withdrawal from the EU is triggered in March, the Scottish First Minister said the Government was showing no sign of respecting the wishes of the devolved nations.

“It is not too late for the UK Government to change course, but time is running out” The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Nicola Sturgeon

Scotland and Northern Ireland both voted to remain in the EU and the SNP has submitted proposals designed to allow Scotland to remain in the EU single market even if the rest of the UK leaves.

However, Mrs May has indicated that she intends to pursue a hard Brexit outside the single market, insisting that the UK voted as a whole to leave the EU and that the same rules should apply to all parts of the country.

Writing in the Times newspaper, Ms Sturgeon said it was “not too late” for the UK Government to change course, but warned that “time is running out” for a deal to be struck.

“No decision has yet been taken to propose an independence referendum. On the contrary, we continue to seek compromise with the UK Government – although we have not seen any evidence so far of real willingness to compromise,” she wrote.

“Instead of meeting us halfway, however, the UK Government’s approach has been ‘its way or no way’. If an independence referendum does arise, it will not be down to bad faith on the part of the Scottish Government, but to sheer intransigence on the part of the UK Government.”

‘More division and uncertainty’

Holyrood’s opposition parties criticised Ms Sturgeon’s remarks, saying that most people in Scotland did not want to go through a re-run of 2014’s vote.

“People are growing increasingly tired of the First Minister’s constant threats over a second referendum,” said Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont. “The truth is that most Scots don’t want to go back to more division and uncertainty.

“Nicola Sturgeon would be better served concentrating on the day job, and focusing on getting the right deal for Scotland and the whole United Kingdom.”

Scottish Labour’s Westminster spokesman Ian Murray added: “This latest threat from Nicola Sturgeon is irresponsible economic vandalism.

“Our economy is already in trouble following the Tories’ reckless Brexit gamble, and the very last thing we need is more uncertainty for employers, workers and markets.

“In 2014, more than two million Scots voted to reject separation and the polls are quite clear that Scots do not want another referendum.”