Downing Street has warned that a second independence referendum is “the last thing Scotland needs”
Downing Street officials have pushed back on proposals around a second independence referendum in Scotland, while also dismissing prospects of a second Brexit vote.
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said last week that, following the UK's vote to leave the EU, a second vote on Scotland's independence was “highly likely”.
However, David Cameron's staff have noted that no formal proposals have yet been made for a second vote, and warned that any plans would be viewed dimly.
“There was a legal and fairly decisive referendum nearly two years go. The reason for Scotland to be in the UK are just as strong now,” the Prime Minister's spokesperson said today.
“We need to focus on getting the best deal for Scotland and the UK and the last thing that Scotland needs now is another divisive referendum.”
It comes as the numbers of signatures on a petition calling for a new EU membership referendum continues to climb, although Downing Street has similarly scotched the prospects of second vote.
“That's just not remotely on the cards,” a spokesperson said.