May made the comment after meeting First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, head of the pro-independence Scottish government which says pro-EU Scots should not be dragged out against their will and has been looking at ways to keep Scotland in the bloc.
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However, speaking immediately after the meeting, the new prime minister appeared to rule out the possibility in principle, saying: “As far as I’m concerned, the Scottish people have had their vote, they voted in 2014 and a very clear message came through”.
The Prime Minister said she is willing to listen to the First Minster’s options for Scotland to have a different relationship with the European Union.
Ms Sturgeon has consistently said she will not allow the United Kingdom to take Scotland out of the European Union against its wishes, the country having voted overwhelmingly to remain during last month’s referendum.
“That’s a decision that Scotland would have to take if we get there, but I’m open to examining all options”.
“And if that effectively hands a veto to Scotland and to us in the north then we will use it and I think I can deliver a vote in the assembly which rejects any attempt to drag us, against our will, out of Europe”.
Nicola Sturgeon will consider calling a second independence referendum if the UK Government triggers formal Brexit negotiations without a satisfactory UK-wide approach being established.
However, the UK minister responsible for Brexit, David Davis, said he did not think this would work, although UK Prime Minister Theresa May said she would listen to any options brought forward by the Scottish government.
May also promised the Scottish people that her government “will always be on your side”.
“I have been very clear that we have to make sure that Scotland’s interests are protected and I want to examine every option of doing that”.
Voters in Scotland backed Britain staying in the European Union in the June 23 referendum.
Despite not mentioning a referendum on Scottish independence which said was “highly likely”, Ms Sturgeon said she would have “immediate” discussions on Scotland’s continued membership of the EU.
He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: “What people in Scotland don’t want is this toxic and divisive issue of a second Scottish independence referendum being put on the table and blurring the issues around the European Union negotiations”. David Mundell, May’s minister for Scotland, said there should be no second referendum on independence.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mrs May said: “I believe with all my heart in the United Kingdom – the precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
I think that is fanciful”.
The Scottish First Minister said her country is in a “strong position” to block Brexit.
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“We have a huge negotiation to do and we have to get all of it right”, he said. “I’m determined to find options within the United Kingdom context and process to do that”.
