First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today insisted Scotland’s place in the EU must be top of the new prime minister’s in-tray.
The SNP leader said she was looking forward to developing a “constructive” relationship with Theresa May.
But, picking up on the outgoing home secretary’s remarks that “Brexit means Brexit”, she stressed for Scotland “remain means remain”.
Ms Sturgeon is in London for a meeting with the chief minister of Gibraltar, which also voted to remain in the EU.
She said: “A key part of my responsibility in the months ahead – in line with the democratic will of the Scottish people – is to protect Scotland’s place in the EU and avoid, as far as possible, the economic damage and prolonged uncertainty that Brexit will entail.
“That is why my message to Theresa May is that the question of Scotland’s continued place in the European Union must be among the priority issues she addresses as prime minister.
“The incoming PM has said to her party that ‘Brexit means Brexit’ – but she must not forget that Scotland voted to stay in the EU, and so for us remain means remain.
“While I do not agree with the decision on the EU reached by people in England and Wales, I do respect it. I hope the new PM will show the same respect for the decision reached by the Scottish people.
“Indeed it will be an early test for the new prime minister to demonstrate that the process the UK Government will now embark on is open to considering options to protect Scotland’s relationship with the EU.”
Meanwhile, a row erupted over claims by Scottish Tory Leader Ruth Davidson the SNP is trying to “seize on a moment of doubt and uncertainty to declare that the shining star of independence is the answer”.
The Edinburgh Central MSP added: “It’s trying to claim that, as a result of Brexit, there is now a massive groundswell for a second independence referendum.”
But Ms Sturgeon hit back saying an apology rather than lectures was needed, given it was the “selfish and reckless irresponsibility” of the Conservatives that had created the current state of play and brought Scotland to the “brink” of being taken out of the EU.
She added: “It would seem that Ruth Davidson neither grasps the severity of the situation we face – at the hands of her party – nor has she anything constructive to offer to the process of finding a solution.”
Addressing journalists in Westminster, Ms Davidson insisted she had “put in” her “shift” during the EU referendum campaign for the Remain team.
