Sturgeon is urged to let go of second referendum

SCOTTISH CONSERVATIVE leader Ruth Davidson has called on Nicola Sturgeon to take a second independence referendum “off the table”, branding the demand “a massive political miscalculation”.

The SNP was down 21 seats after the General Election while Ms Davidson saw her party deliver its best result in Scotland for three decades by winning 13 seats.

The performance contrasted with the wider UK picture, which saw Theresa May fail to secure a Conservative majority.

Ms Davidson spoke out in support of Mrs May as she seeks to form a government with help from the DUP. However, the Scottish Tory leader conceded the Prime Minister had not been given the mandate she sought.

She added that the UK Government must now listen to those who did not vote Tory and should now pursue “an open Brexit, not a closed one”.

“SNP MPs who lost their seats have paid the price for what was a massive political miscalculation on Nicola Sturgeon’s part.

“This morning, we have heard SNP figures acknowledge that the referendum demands were behind its bad result.

“We have heard the First Minister say she will ‘reflect’ on the matter. I’m afraid that’s not enough.”

She added: “Nobody will condemn the First Minister if she now decides to re-set her course.

“This is her opportunity to do so – and I urge her to take it immediately. She must take it off the table.”