The First Minister of Scotland described her meeting with the Prime Minister Theresa May today as “cordial” and “constructive” after the pair held talks about Brexit.
But the pair have still failed to reach an agreement.
Speaking after talks at 10 Downing Street, the Scottish First Minister said that no agreement on the way forward for Brexit was reached, but held out prospects of differences being ironed out in the weeks to come.
The devolved administrations of both Scotland and Wales have branded the legislation – which began its committee stage in the House of Commons on Tuesday – a “power grab”, as it would return responsibilities in areas such as agriculture from Brussels to London.
Ms Sturgeon said: “We didn’t get to a point of agreement today, but we did get a better understanding of each other’s positions and I hope the Prime Minister has an understanding of the Scottish Government’s position.
“We want to reach an agreement, we accept that frameworks in some areas are necessary, but they should be by agreement and not by imposition.
“The withdrawal bill as it stands would not be acceptable and we would not be able to recommend approval of that bill so that remains the position but hopefully having had the opportunity to air the concerns that we have in more detail, we will be able to see some progress in the weeks to come.”
Ms Sturgeon said she will take no further decision about the timing of any Independence Referendum in Scotland until the aspects of Brexit are clear.
The First Minister said that “hopefully we understand where each other are coming from and that will provide a foundation for an agreement”.
She said: “There is a long way to go with the Withdrawal Bill and I am very clear that the bill has to change.”
The leader of the SNP has said it is “morally repugnant” that the UK Government has failed to stop the roll-out of the welfare reform because of complaints about the length of time people have to wait for payments.
The talks today came in the middle of a deadlock between Edinburgh and London over crucial Brexit legislation.
Mrs May and Ms Sturgeon met for around 45 minutes inside 10 Downing Street.
The last time the leaders met for face-to-face talks was in March when the Prime Minister was in Glasgow.
The Scottish government is refusing to put the bill forward for legislative consent at the Scottish Parliament unless changes are made.
Ms Sturgeon has accused the UK government of keeping the devolved administrations “in the dark” on Brexit negotiations.
In discussions on Brexit, Downing Street said the PM told Ms Sturgeon that “it remains her priority to provide certainty to businesses and people both in Scotland and across the country, as well as protecting our UK internal market”.
A spokesman added: “They spoke about progress in agreeing principles on common frameworks at the recent Joint Ministerial Committee, and the Prime Minister reiterated that as powers are repatriated from Brussels back to Britain there will be a significant increase in the decision-making powers for the Scottish Government and other devolved administrations.
“The Prime Minister encouraged the Scottish Government to continue to work with counterparts to secure the best outcome for the people of Scotland and the whole of the UK.”