Nicola Sturgeon urges Theresa May to set out a Brexit ‘plan B’ ahead of talks

Nicola Sturgeon has urged Theresa May to set out a Brexit ‘plan B’, as the pair prepare to meet for talks in Edinburgh.

The First Minister called on May to lay out an alternative to the UK Government’s current offering to Brussels in case EU chiefs reject the plan and the UK is left facing the prospect of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

She said: "With the Chequers proposals falling flat, even if a withdrawal agreement can be secured, there is a very real risk that we end up with a blind Brexit - which will see the UK step off the cliff edge next March without knowing what landing place will be.

"That would do as much harm to jobs, investment and the economy as a no deal Brexit and would leave the country directionless through the transition period.

"Given this lack of clarity and real concerns of no agreement, it is time the prime minister told us what her Plan B is. We cannot have no deal and we cannot have a blind Brexit. "

The two leaders will meet in Edinburgh today, where the Prime Minister will mark the signing of a "city deal" investment package for the south east of Scotland.

The UK and Scottish governments each committed £300m to the City Deal, which will see over £1bn invested in total.

She is also announcing £13m for investment in six science centres in the UK, including Dundee and Glasgow.

May said: "As we leave the EU, the UK government is working in partnership with business, academia and the devolved administrations to create more good jobs and spread economic prosperity across the country.

"By making the most of our country’s assets and the talents of all of our people, we can build a brighter future for the whole UK."