The British government does not believe there should be a second referendum on Scottish independence, Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said this afternoon when asked about a report it was preparing contingency plans for one.
A majority of Scots backed staying in the EU in last year's Brexit referendum.
The ruling Scottish National Party, which lost a bid for independence in 2014, has said there should be another vote on the issue if its views on Brexit are ignored.
A report by Dundee-based newspaper the Courier said that Mrs May believes Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is two weeks away from demanding an independence referendum.
It said Mrs May is privately working on a strategy to deal with it.
Asked about the report, Mrs May's spokesman said: "We don't believe that there should be a second referendum.
"There has been a referendum. It was clear, decisive and legal. Both sides agreed to abide by the result of that referendum."
A poll published this morning suggests support for Scottish independence has increased following Mrs May's "hard Brexit" speech.
The BMG survey for the Herald found 49% of Scots back independence while 51% want to stay in the UK, when the "don't knows" are excluded.
When the 10% undecided are included, 43% would vote Yes and 45% No.
The gap has narrowed since a similar poll last month which found 45.5% were Yes supporters and 54.5% backed No, almost the same result as the 2014 referendum of 45% Yes to 55% No.
Since last month's poll, Mrs May confirmed her plans to take the UK out of the single market in her Brexit speech.
However, the latest survey suggests most Scots do not want another independence referendum before the UK leaves the EU, with 48% against, 38% for and 13% undecided - making 56% against and 44% for when the "don't knows" are removed.
