'Scotland doesn't want this!' Outraged Government tells Sturgeon to DROP referendum
ANOTHER Scottish referendum would cause division and uncertainty across the United Kingdom, Downing Street announced this lunchtime.
Davidson: Sturgeon did NOT warn PM about second referendum
Theresa May's government said "the evidence clearly shows" there is not enough demand in Scotland to warrant another costly, divisive referendum.
They said Nicola Sturgeon should forget independence and focus on other issues - like "public services".
The First Minister announced her intention to call for a second referendum today - to very mixed results.
Downing Street has condemned Nicola Sturgeon's call for a second referendum
Downing Street said the vote was announced at the "worst possible time" and called for unity.
A spokesman said: "Only a little over two years ago people in Scotland voted decisively to remain part of our United Kingdom in a referendum which the Scottish Government defined as a 'once in a generation' vote.
Nicola Sturgeon said she owed it to Scotland to give the people a vote on independence
The evidence clearly shows that a majority of people in Scotland do not want a second independence referendum
"The evidence clearly shows that a majority of people in Scotland do not want a second independence referendum. Another referendum would be divisive and cause huge economic uncertainty at the worst possible time.
"The Scottish Government should focus on delivering good government and public services for the people in Scotland."
Sturgeon: Scotland will seek approval for second referendum
Nicola Sturgeon's decision to call for a second Scottish referendum was slated by parties on both sides of the Scottish border.
Labour, the Conservatives, Ukip and the Lib Dems all slated the First Minister for her announcement this lunchtime.
They all vowed to vote against a second referendum when Ms Sturgeon begins the process in Holyrood next week.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson accused the First Minister of leading the country towards “division and uncertainty”.
She said: “Nicola Sturgeon has today chosen the path of further division and uncertainty. We will vote against any request for a Section 30 next week.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale has also criticised the decision, saying the decision would "turbo-charge" austerity in the country and lead to division.
And even the European Union itself indicated it would not bend over backwards to help Scotland - hinting it would be required to re-apply to join the EU as an independent state, as laid out in the Barroso docrine.
European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said today: "The Barroso doctrine, would that apply? Yes that would apply, obviously."