Theresa May vows to '˜fight for Britain' in Brexit talks and resist indyref2

Prime Minister Theresa May joined Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson on the campaign trail at Clockwork Removals in Edinburgh. Picture: SWNS

The Prime Minister made the promise in a campaign speech in Edinburgh with just days to go before the General Election.

She told Scots she was a “passionate Unionist” as she raised the prospect of Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn in Number 10 with Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon “pulling the strings”.

Mrs May said she had been very clear “now is not the time to be talking about a second independence referendum” - despite Ms Sturgeon’s demands for another ballot to take place in the wake of the UK vote to leave the European Union

The Tory leader said: “We need to pull together in order to try and deliver on the Brexit negotiations, not trying to drive these four nations apart, which is what Nicola Sturgeon is trying to do.”

She spoke in Edinburgh less than 48 hours after a terrorist attack at London Bridge left seven people dead and dozens injured.

The PM said: “In this week of all weeks we stand together, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as one United Kingdom.

“We are four proud nations but one united people, dedicated to our shared British values of freedom, of democracy, of human rights under the rule of law.

“While we mourn those we have lost and hunt down those responsible, we remain absolutely committed to our democratic process.

“That is why over the next three days we will all be out campaigning to ensure that we can deliver that strong and stable leadership, that leadership that is needed to build a stronger, fairer more prosperous Britain for the future.

“I am absolutely convinced that we can do that because I believe in Britain and I believe in the British people.”

She reminded voters that Brexit negotiations are due to start less than two weeks after the June 8 election.

“Brexit matters because it is the basis of everything,” Mrs May said.

She urged people to consider “who has got the will and the plan to just get on with the job and deliver that Brexit”.

Mrs May added: “Don’t forget those negotiations start 11 days after polling day, and the fact is, the reality is, if we lose just six seats, the Government loses its majority.

“That would mean Jeremy Corbyn in Number 10 and Nicola Sturgeon pulling the strings from Bute House.”

She highlighted the bonds between the four parts of the UK and asked: “Who do you trust to stand up for our precious Union? Me, I’m a passionate Unionist, I want to ensure the United Kingdom stays together, we strengthen those bonds across the whole of the United Kingdom.

“Or Jeremy Corbyn, negotiating with the SNP for a second referendum, which he is says is ‘absolutely fine’ by him.”

The Tory leader added: “I think he’s going to find out there is a different view from the Scottish people.”

Mrs May insisted the Tories have “the plan, we have the vision, we have the leadership” to build a fairer and more prosperous nation, but she said she could only do this with the backing of voters.

“Only the British people can give me and our party that mandate,” she said

“My message to them is very simple - give me the backing to lead Britain, give me the authority to speak for Britain, strengthen my hand as I fight for Britain.

“Give me your backing and I will deliver for Britain.”