Streeting rules out independence referendum

In a series of media appearances, Wes Streeting has taken a hard line against the prospect of another vote on Scotland's future.

The Health Secretary insisted that the mandate for the 2014 referendum remains valid and that the current priority must be the recovery of the NHS and the economy.

SNP leaders have condemned the remarks as a dismissal of democratic will, accusing the Labour government of 'sticking two fingers up' at Scottish voters.

The clash sets the stage for a highly contentious Holyrood election campaign in May.