STEWART PATERSON

Political Correspondent

THERESA May has finally notified the European Union of Britain’s intention to leave amid warnings her attitude to Scotland is making independence inevitable.

The Prime Minister gave formal notification in a letter to Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, representing the EU member states’ governments.

In her letter she said the decision by the British people was not a rejection of the values shared with the people of Europe or an attempt to do harm to the EU.

Instead she said she hoped for “fair and orderly” negotiations over Britain’s future relationship with the EU and for a “deep and special partnership” to emerge between the two.

The letter was sent a day after the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of seeking power to hold a second independence referendum in the wake of Brexit.

Nicola Surgeon said teh UK approach was a “is a reckless gamble

SNP MPs in the House of Commons criticised the Prime Minister, accusing her of going back on a promise to reach an agreement with the the Scottish government on negotiations to leave the EU.

Angus Robertson SNP deputy leader said the Prime Minister had denied Scotland a “democratic choice”. In refusing to negotiate on a referendum before the UK leaves the EU.

He warned that her “intransigence” would only serve to increase support for independence in Scotland.

Mr Robertson said: “The Prime Minister promised an agreement, today it is clear that there is no agreement. The Prime Minister has broken her word.”

He added: “The Prime Minister thinks that Brexit will bring unity to the United Kingdom. It will not. On this issue it is not a United Kingdom and the Prime Minster needs to respect the different nations of the UK.

“If the Prime Minister does not, if she remains intransigent and if she denies Scotland a choice on our future she will make Scottish independence inevitable.”

The European Union will now consider its response and set out its negotiating position before talks officially get underway between the UK Government, led by Brexit Secretary, David Davis and Michel Barnier lead negotiator for the European Commission.

There is a two year period to reach agreements on a range of issues including a trade deal before the UK formally leaves as a member of the European Union.