The SNP has said that Scotland faces the very real and growing threat of being “dragged down the road to economic and social Brexit self-harm”, as Boris Johnson looks set to succeed Theresa May as Prime Minister today.

Ian Blackford MP warned Boris Johnson against “building a bunker-mentality government” that would side-line any attempts at seeking a meaningful route out of the Brexit crisis.

Blackford added that the former Foreign Secretary was “fanatically fanning the flames” of a devastating no-deal Brexit, which will cost thousands of jobs, leave people poorer and worse off and could plunge Scotland and the UK into a recession.

However with a slew of Tory Cabinet members and ministers resigning in protest against the prospect of a Boris Johnson government, the SNP warned that Scotland was looking on in horror as an increasingly bitterly divided Tory party pushed the country ever closer to the cliff-edge.

Commenting, SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford MP said:

“With Boris Johnson set to succeed Theresa May as Prime Minister today, it’s clearer than ever before that Scotland faces the very real threat of being dragged down the road to economic and social Brexit self-harm.

“Rather than fanatically fanning the flames of a devastating no-deal Brexit, Boris Johnson must take a step back from the brink and, for once in his career, act in the national interest.

“If the Tory leadership contest is a sign of things to come then I warn Boris Johnson against building a bunker-mentality government that would shut off any attempts at seeking a meaningful route out of the Brexit crisis.

“Time and time again economic analysis has found that a no-deal exit from the EU would be catastrophic for jobs, people’s livelihoods and could plunge the country into recession.

“It’s no wonder then that support for independence is rising, and a majority now support a fresh referendum on Scotland’s future.

“With the October Brexit deadline fast approaching, Scotland is looking on in horror at the bleak Boris Johnson Brexit Britain on offer. Scotland must have a choice over a better future.

“It is clearer than ever that the only way to properly protect Scotland’s interests is by becoming an equal and independent European country.”