Dugdale says no to independence

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale has underlined her party’s opposition to a second independence referendum in a speech to its financial backers.

Ms Dugdale used a fundraising dinner to assure supporters her MSPs will reject any proposals for another vote.

The Scottish Government is consulting on a draft Bill for another referendum, which it says could be brought forward if Scotland’s place in Europe is not protected in any Brexit deal.

The Labour leader, who finished third in the Holyrood election in May behind the Tories, said her party would instead “play our full part in discussions about renewing our United Kingdom”.

Prominent figures including former prime minister Gordon Brown and Ms Dugdale’s deputy Alex Rowley have backed proposals for a federal UK.