Press release

Prime Minister to visit Scotland and underline commitment to "preserving this special union”

Prime Minister Theresa May will meet First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and will emphasise her strong support for the Union.

The Prime Minister will meet the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, in Edinburgh today, in her first visit since taking office.

Less than 48 hours after being invited by Her Majesty The Queen to form a government, the Prime Minister will emphasise her strong personal support for the Union in talks with the First Minister at Bute House.

The Prime Minister will also affirm the government’s commitment to fully engaging with the Scottish Government in the forthcoming negotiations about the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister said:

I believe with all my heart in the United Kingdom – the precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This visit to Scotland is my first as Prime Minister and I’m coming here to show my commitment to preserving this special union that has endured for centuries.

And I want to say something else to the people of Scotland too: the government I lead will always be on your side. Every decision we take, every policy we take forward, we will stand up for you and your family – not the rich, the mighty or the powerful.

That’s because I believe in a union, not just between the nations of the United Kingdom, but between all of our citizens. Whether it’s reforming the economy or strengthening our society, we are going to build a better Britain and a nation that works for everyone – not just the privileged few.

Published 15 July 2016