Theresa May discusses Brexit options with Scotland First Minister

The British Primer Minister Theresa May on Friday held talks with Scotland's First Minister to discuss the nation's future relationship with the European Union in light of Britain's decision to leave the EU in the referendum held in June.

In her first visit to Scotland since becoming Prime Minister on Wednesday, May met with Nicola Sturgeon in the First Minister's official residence, where she said that she was willing to listen to options regarding Scotland's future relationship with the EU, Efe news reported.

"I've been very clear with the First Minister today (Friday) that I want the Scottish government to be fully engaged in our discussion," she added.

May said that she would not invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, triggering the secession process for Britain, before objectives for negotiations are thoroughly prepared.

Across Britain, 52 per cent of voters opted to leave the EU, but support for "Brexit" was much lower in Scotland with only 38 per cent voting to leave.

Sturgeon has said that the "Brexit" vote put Scotland's interests "at risk".

After the results of Britain's EU referendum became clear on June 24, Sturgeon said that the option of a second Scottish independence referendum was viable.

She added on Friday that she would not block another independence referendum if that was what the people of Scotland wanted.

Voters in Scotland opted to stay in Britain in a referendum in Sept 2014.

--IANS

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