Indyref was ‘once in a generation’ decision

Jacob Rees-mogg has said Scotland should be allowed to hold a second referendum on independence – but not for around 20 years.

The Conservative MP, who is one of the party’s most hard-line Brexiteers, made the comments as he arrived in Scotland on a short speaking tour.

He said he agreed with Alex Salmond’s previous view that the 2014 vote on Scottish independence was a “once in a generation” decision which should not be revisited in the short term.

He said: “Of course Scotland is entitled to have another referendum at some point in the future, but I think the SNP’S position of a ‘generation’ is a reasonable one – that it should be a generational decision. A generational decision is not one made over two or three years.”

He said 20 years was a more realistic timeframe for another vote on Scottish independence, meaning that it would not take place until nearly 2040.

Mr Rees-mogg also said he was in favour of more powers being devolved to Scotland in the wake of Brexit, but not over trade or immigration.

Mr Salmond made his “once in a generation” comments four days before 2014’s referendum.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to update MSPS on her plans for another vote on independence in the next few months.