May’s call for unity on Brexit highlights rifts with devolved regions

Leaders of devolved administrations range from muted to contemptuous after meeting

Northern Irish First Minister Arlene Foster and her deputy Martin McGuinness outside 10 Downing Street  after holding talks with British prime minister Theresa May. Photograph: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images

Northern Irish First Minister Arlene Foster and her deputy Martin McGuinness outside 10 Downing Street after holding talks with British prime minister Theresa May. Photograph: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images

When the leaders of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland emerged from their meeting with UK prime minister Theresa May in Downing Street on Monday, their mood ranged from openly frustrated to restrained and non-committal.

Scotland’s Nicola Sturgeon was most contemptuous, complaining that “despite a full and frank exchange of views around the table” they knew no more about the British government’s approach to the European Union negotiations now than they did going into the meeting.

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