Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene believes the SNP should be focussing on "real issues that matter to Scotland" instead of independence.
He made the comment hours before Nicola Sturgeon is due to deliver a statement on "Brexit and Scotland's future" at Holyrood.
The Herald understands the FM will not announce a specific date for a further vote on independence but will "strike an inclusive tone" while "setting out a path forward for Scotland".
READ MORE: Conservatives consider rule change to allow fresh challenge to Theresa May
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Jamie Greene MSP criticised Ms Sturgeon for not using "crucial" parliamentary time to discuss the NHS, school and transport, adding that independence is "not what Scotland wants".
Mr Greene said: "You can't simply keep asking the same question until you get the answer that you want which is what the SNP are trying to do, which is what I expect the First Minister of Scotland to say today. That is not what Scotland wants.
"What Scotland really needs is a government that's focussed on getting on with the day job.
Instead of another statement by Nicola Sturgeon on independence, we should be using crucial parliamentary time to talk about issues such as the NHS, schools and transport. These are real issues that matter to people across Scotland.#5livebreakfast #indyref2 #notoindyref2 pic.twitter.com/dvRv8Zm2G1
— Jamie Greene MSP (@jamiegreeneUK) 24 April 2019
Mr Greene continued: "They've been in government in Scotland for over a decade, so why aren't we spending this afternoon in the Scottish Parliament discussing education or health or justice - all the issues that really matter to the people on the streets, at the doors in Scotland."
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon to set out thoughts on independence in ‘substantive’ statement
Labour and Lib Dems also hit out in advance of this afternoon's statement, while Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said it would be "hugely disappointing" if the SNP let the mandate to hold a second referendum within the current Holyrood term expire "in the face of Tory obstructionism".
He added: "Scotland needs an escape route from a Brexit it didn't vote for and the Scottish Greens stand ready to campaign hard for an independent Scotland in the EU."
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