Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney has been relying on what he said was a precedent established after his party’s 2011 victory, which led directly to the 2014 referendum.

But Chancellor Rachel Reeves said on Wednesday that even if the SNP wins more than half the seats at Holyrood next year, there will not be another vote.

Ms Reeves told Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme: “I’m going to be very clear, there won’t be another referendum.

“When there was a referendum just a few years ago it was said that this was a once-in-a-generation referendum.

“People gave their verdict then, we don’t need another one.

“The Scottish Government, whoever is in charge, should focus on the priorities of the Scottish people, bringing down NHS waiting lists, which are still far too high i

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