Ruth Davidson: Westminster must not block a second independence referendum

Ruth Davidson - credit: PA

Ruth Davidson has warned Westminster should “absolutely not” block a second referendum on Scottish independence referendum if it had public backing.

The SNP has begun preparations for a second referendum in the wake of the decision to leave the European Union.

Davidson set her stall out against a rerun of the 2014 vote, saying it was “destabilising” for the country.

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But when asked on the BBC’s Sunday Politics whether the UK Government should block it, she replied: “Absolutely not. Constitutionally, the UK Government shouldn’t block it, no.”

The approval of Westminster is needed for a referendum to be legally binding.

A spokesman for First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Davidson’s comments marked “major and significant shift”.

The spokesman added: “Nevertheless our focus as a government is on the negotiations that lie ahead, to protect Scotland's relationship with the European Union and our place in the single market.

"Scotland needs the stability and security of remaining in the world's biggest single market - for jobs, investment and prosperity.”