Theresa May vows to protect Britain’s “precious” union through Brexit talks
Prime Minister Theresa May will tomorrow vow to protect the UK's “precious” union as she hits back at plans for a second independence referendum in Scotland.
Speaking in Cardiff, May will lay out an expanded “Plan for Britain”, vowing to put Britain first and issuing a warning to Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Expanding on the themes of her landmark Lancaster House speech in January, the Prime Minister will say her plan has the union at its heart.
“It means taking the big decisions when they’re the right ones for Britain in the long-term. Putting the national interest above any other consideration.
“And it means ensuring that we act in the interests of the whole country – creating jobs and supporting cities, towns and communities right across our United Kingdom,” she will say.
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May will also describe last summer's Brexit verdict as a mandate for “ambitious” economic and social reform.
“That means building a stronger economy and investing in the things that will deliver for Britain in the long-term, tackling the problem of low productivity and helping to secure the high-paid, high-skilled jobs of the future,” she is expected to say.
It comes after May clashed with Sturgeon over the potential for a new independence referendum.
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May today told ITV that “now is not the time” for a second vote, and speaking tomorrow she will commit herself to negotiating a Brexit deal for all of the UK's constituent nations.
“We are four nations, but at heart we are one people. And I will always ensure the voices and interests of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are represented as we negotiate to leave the EU,” she will say
“And I will always fight to strengthen and sustain this precious, precious union.”