Blocking a second referendum on Scottish independence would act as the "biggest recruiting sergeant possible" for the cause, the SNP has warned the Government.
Nicola Sturgeon's bid to seek the legal authority to allow another independence poll will be voted on by MSPs next Wednesday.
Her party colleague in Westminster, SNP Commons spokesman Pete Wishart, said if the Scottish Parliament does demand another referendum, ministers in London must listen or risk "defying" democracy.
Meanwhile, Commons Leader David Lidington said the Government would consider any request coming from north of the border, but criticised the SNP for "posturing" over another vote instead of concentrating on improving public services.
Mr Wishart said during the business statement in the Commons: "Will there be a statement from the Government approving a section 30 order to approve a legal independence referendum if the Scottish Parliament, as is likely, votes to request one next week?
"Surely there can be no case for standing in the way of democracy and defying the will of the democratically elected parliament in Scotland?
"Can I just say ever so gently to the Leader of the House, if this Government are thinking for one minute of standing in the way of Scottish democracy, it will be the biggest recruiting sergeant possible for the cause of Scottish independence."
Mr Lidington said the Government "will want to look at whatever requests might come from the Scottish Parliament".
"But I just say this gently to you, that the Autumn Statement and the spring Budget together have given roughly £1.25 billion of extra spending to the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament," he said.
"They could use that money to reduce the tax hikes on business and middle income families in Scotland.
"They could use it to improve failing schools in Scotland, to help struggling hospitals in Scotland.
"I think that would be a much better service to the people of Scotland than posturing about a further referendum."
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