Sturgeon: unicorns taking place of facts on UK-EU future relationship

By Lewis McKenzie, Political Reporter, Press Association Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon has said "unicorns" are taking the place of facts regarding the future relationship proposed between the UK and EU after Brexit.

A political declaration on the future relationship has been "agreed at negotiators" level and "agreed in principle at political level", according to European Council president Donald Tusk.

The Scottish First Minister tweeted: "Just read Political Declaration. Lots of unicorns taking the place of facts about the future relationship.

"Fair play to the EU for pushing it as far as possible...but it adds up to a blindfold Brexit. Difficult issues unresolved - so extended transition/backstop almost certain."

Ms Sturgeon also highlighted her concerns that proposals by the Conservatives could be damaging to the fishing industry.

She wrote: "Looks to me like fishing will be a bargaining chip in wider trade negotiation ('within the context of the overall economic partnership').

"UKG was trying to get commitment to annual agreements on access - looks like they failed. Another Tory sell out of fishing on the cards.

"And if wider trade negotiation not agreed by July 2020, nor will fishing agreement ('best endeavours' not a guarantee) - and possibility of 2 year transition kicks in. So not guaranteed to be out of CFP by end 2020. Feels to me like David Mundell has some explaining to do."

Scottish Secretary of State David Mundell last month stated he wanted assurances any extension to the transition would not delay exit from CFP beyond the agreed date.

He had been urged to quit by Scottish Conservative MP Ross Thomson, who said "no unionist" could support the proposals set out in the Prime Minister's Brexit deal.