Kezia Dugdale urges Theresa May to strike 'best possible' Brexit deal

The Scottish Labour leader has called on Prime Minister Theresa May to secure the "best possible deal'' for Scotland in the Brexit negotiations.

Writing to the Prime Minister ahead of the formal two-year process of leaving the EU being triggered on Wednesday, Kezia Dugdale raised the possibility of a differentiated deal for Scotland and outlined a list of requirements including retaining access to the single market and freedom of movement.

She wrote: I believe a deal can be negotiated, on differential terms if necessary, which ensures that the interests of people across the UK are well-represented.

It is vital that your government works closely with the devolved administrations in the months ahead, and all constitutional focus must be on securing the best Brexit deal for the UK.

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, has committed to working tirelessly in the pursuit of the best deal for the people of Wales.

It is disappointing that the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, is ready to disengage from the process.''

Ms Dugdale also called for a guarantee of the rights for EU nationals currently in the UK, continued access to EU research funds and to the Erasmus student exchange programme.

She said a hard no-deal Brexit would lead to a drop in Scottish wages of around #2,000 a year and the loss of 80,000 jobs.

She added: As I have made clear in recent months, Scottish Labour believes that a more federal UK will help to fix the failures of politics that led many people to vote for Brexit in the first place.

Negotiating a distinct Brexit deal for Scotland, and indeed other UK regions, would be a signal of intent on your part, symbolic of your willingness to explore alternative constitutional structures that increase democratic accountability and place the UK on a surer footing.''

An SNP spokesman said: The next two years will determine the kind of country Scotland will be.

So, once the terms of Brexit are clear the people of Scotland should have the final say on their future.

That's why the First Minister set out a plan to give the people of Scotland a choice between Brexit and becoming an independent country.

If Scotland's people can be ignored on an issue as important as our membership of the EU and single market, then it is clear their voice and interests will be ignored at any time and on any issue.''