A SECOND independence referendum edged closer after the UK Brexit Secretary rejected Nicola Sturgeon's demands for a bespoke Scottish deal with the EU.
David Davis, on a visit to Glasgow, also indicated that he would reject SNP proposals for sweeping new powers to be transferred to Holyrood after the UK quits the bloc in 2019.
In a major announcement at the SNP conference last weekend, the First Minister said she will publish plans that would see Scotland's relationship with Europe protected within the UK, including devolution of new controls over immigration and the ability to strike international deals, within weeks.
She has indicated that she will move for a new referendum if her plans are rejected and the country faces a 'hard Brexit', with a draft bill that would allow for a second vote being published this week.
Asked whether the requests for immigration powers and the ability for Scotland to strike deals with foreign countries was realistic, Mr Davis said: “They are both reserved powers…immigration and international affairs are both reserved powers. It’s hard to see how a separate immigration policy would work, for any part of the Kingdom, frankly.”
He added that any arrangements to leave the EU would be a “United Kingdom deal”, rejecting SNP arguments that Scotland should be able to keep its place in the single market even if the wider UK leaves.
He added: “It’s got to be a United Kingdom deal, but it will of course reflect the interests of the people of Scotland. It’s got to reflect the interests of Northern Ireland, Wales and England as well.
“The aim is to get the maximum possible barrier free access to the European Union market, as well as being able to get access to other markets globally. How we achieve that... we’re not at that stage yet.”
Addressing a possible second independence referendum, he said: "I don't think the Scottish people want another referendum, but that's for them.
"I have simply got the single aim in front of me, which is to get the best deal possible, and that includes the best deal for the Scottish people."
Mr Davis was in Scotland for talks with his Holyrood counterpart Mike Russell, as well as leading figures from business and other sectors.
While the UK as a whole voted to leave the European Union, almost two-thirds of Scots who took part in the ballot wanted to remain.
Ms Sturgeon told the SNP conference last week that the Scottish Government would bring forward ''specific proposals'' aimed at protecting Scotland's interests in Europe and keeping the country in the single market ''even if the rest of the UK decides to leave''.
In a direct message to the Prime Minister, Ms Sturgeon said: ''If you think for one single second that I'm not serious about doing what it takes to protect Scotland's interests, then think again.
''If you can't - or won't - allow us to protect our interests within the UK, then Scotland will have the right to decide, afresh, if it wants to take a different path.''
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