Whitehall sources last night made clear that the PM will remain steadfast in her refusal to grant permission for a repeat of the 2014 poll. The news came as the First Minister prepared to update Holyrood on her plans to break up Britain amid deepening nationalist divisions over the timing of a new ballot. Ms Sturgeon has pledged to “strike an inclusive tone” when she delivers a “detailed and substantive” statement on Scotland’s future in the UK tomorrow.
But critics accused her of ignoring everyday problems in schools and the NHS with her sixth major declaration on the constitution since succeeding Alex Salmond.
There was speculation the SNP leader will again demand the power to hold a legally binding poll, through a so-called Section 30 order.
Mrs May flatly rejected her formal demand for a second Brexit-related separation vote in 2017, saying “now is not the time”.
Asked what her response would be to calls for a section 30 order, Ms May’s official spokesman said: “You know the Prime Minister’s position on that and it has not changed. First and foremost, let’s wait and see what the First Minister says.”
UK Government sources insist Mr May and her Cabinet believe the matter “had been dealt with” and any new request would be considered “as briefly as possible”.
One said: “We’ve been saying for some time the First Minister should take the threat of another referendum of the table. If she
