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Scottish First Minister congratulates new British PM

Xinhua, July 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday sent congratulations to the new British Prime Minister Theresa May after the latter took office.

In a message delivered on her social media account, Sturgeon wrote: "Congratulations to the new prime minister. Despite our differences, I hope we can build a constructive working relationship."

Earlier in an interview, Sturgeon expected the future discussions to unfold and the Scottish government to be "centrally involved" to protect Scotland's place in the EU.

While May declared that "Brexit means Brexit," Sturgeon said "for us remain means remain" as Scotland voted to stay in the EU referendum.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street after being appointed by the Queen, May vowed to lead a "one-nation" government and to "build a better Britain."

She highlighted the "precious bond" between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and between "every one of us."

For his part, British Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said the Scottish government involvement in discussions in areas such as farming and fishing is a possibility, discounting the idea of a second Scottish independence referendum and alleging that reaching the best possible deals for Scotland and Britain are not mutually exclusive.

David Cameron formally offered his resignation to the Queen on Wednesday. May became Britain's second female prime minister in history, after Margaret Thatcher.

In a historic referendum on June 23, Britain voted to leave the EU after 43 years in the bloc. The Leave campaign received 51.9 percent of the votes, against 48.1 percent for the Remain side.

However, Scotland voted 62 percent in favor of remaining in the EU, with the majority in each council of its 32 local authority areas voting to remain. Endit