LONDON, July 29 (NNN-AGENCIES)–– New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will make his first official visit to Scotland on Monday in an attempt to bolster the union in the face of warnings over a no-deal Brexit.
Johnson will visit a military base to announce new funding for local
communities, saying that Britain is a “global brand and together we are
safer, stronger and more prosperous”, according to a statement released by
his Downing Street Office.
It will be the first stop on a tour of the countries that make up the
United Kingdom, as he attempts to win support for his Brexit plans and head off talk of a break-up of the union.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said last week that Scotland, which
voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum, needed an “alternative
option” to Johnson’s Brexit strategy.
He has promised that Britain will leave the EU on Oct 31, with or
without a deal.
Sturgeon, who leads the separatist Scottish National Party (SNP), told
Johnson that the devolved Scottish Parliament would consider legislation in
the coming months for another vote on seceding from the United Kingdom.
Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar has also said that a no-deal Brexit would
make more people in Northern Ireland “come to question the union” with
Britain.
Johnson, who decided that he will take the symbolic title of Minister for
the Union alongside that of prime minister, will announce £300 million of new investment for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during Monday’s visit.
“Important projects like the government’s growth deals… will open up
opportunities across our union so people in every corner of the United
Kingdom can realise their potential,” he was to say.
“As we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it’s vital we renew the
ties that bind our United Kingdom.
“I look forward to visiting Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that every
decision I make as prime minister promotes and strengthens our union,” he
will add.
Johnson plans to visit local farmers in Wales and discuss the ongoing talks
to restore the devolved government when he visits Northern Ireland.
The investment boost comes after the prime minister announced a
£3.6 billion fund supporting 100 towns in England, raising suggestions that he is already in campaign mode for an election.
Many MPs are opposed to leaving the EU without a deal, and could try and
topple the government in an attempt to prevent it, potentially triggering a
vote.
Johnson has made a busy start to his premiership as he attempts win over
public opinion for his Brexit plans and put pressure on those who could bring him down.
But the EU has already said his demands to renegotiate the deal struck by
his predecessor Theresa May, but which was three times rejected by
parliament, are “unacceptable.” — NNN-AGENCIES
