The UK Government said "now is not the time" to be proposing another independence referendum.

It said it will consider its response to the referendum bill published by the Scottish Government.

Nicola Sturgeon wrote to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, seeking to negotiate the terms to hold a referendum which the UK Government said it will respond to “in due course”.

It said it is clear that constitutional maters are reserved to Westminster and said Government priorities should lie elsewhere.

READ MORE:Date of proposed second independence referendum revealed by Nicola Sturgeon

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We are clear that now is not the time to be talking about another independence referendum.

“People across Scotland want to see both of their governments working together on the issues that matter to them.

“That includes tackling the cost of living, ensuring energy security, leading the international response against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing our economy. That remains our priority.”

The Scottish Government has reached agreement with the Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain, to file papers with the UK Supreme Court to ask it to rule on the competency of an advisory referendum, without the approval of the UK Government.

If that is in the Scottish Government’s favour, Sturgeon said she will introduce the bill to the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible.

The UK Government spokesperson added: “A decision has been taken by the First Minister to publish a bill, and the Lord Advocate has made a referral to the UK Supreme Court. UK Government law officers will now consider their response.”