Nicola Sturgeon has called for an extension of the Brexit transition period.
Scotland’s first minister has said that it is “time to compromise” to find a “common sense” solution to Brexit.
“If the last two years have shown us anything, it is surely that more time will inevitably be needed to agree the future relationship, and so being able to extend the transition period will be vital to avoid another cliff-edge scenario,” she said.
In a speech in London, Sturgeon called on Theresa May to reconsider the decision to withdraw the UK from the customs union and single market.
The Scottish first minister said that staying in the customs union and single market would be the only option that could potentially command a Commons majority.
“[Chequers] is not a serious and credible option. And the only reason it is the only option on the table is because the UK government has refused to countenance any others,” she said.
Sturgeon also said that nothing would be gained from the rushing of the UK’s departure from the EU, which so far “lacks precise detail.”
“For MPs to support a bad or blindfold Brexit – a cobbled-together withdrawal agreement and a vague statement about our future relationship – would in my view be a dereliction of duty,” she said.
“It is my strong view that such a deal should be rejected – not in favour of no deal as some will try to suggest, but as a way of getting a better deal back on the table,” she added.
In response, the prime minister has said that a delay is “not an option”.
A spokesman for the UK government’s Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) said: “We will have an ambitious course outside of the EU that enhances our prosperity and security and that genuinely works for everyone across the UK.”
“We have put forward a precise and credible plan for our future relationship with the EU and look forward to continuing to engage with the EU Commission on our proposals.”
