The Scottish First Minister set out plans for a second independence referendum in Scotland last month and vowed she would not vote for Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal. But Ms Sturgeon claimed she would only force a second vote in her country if the UK left the European Union and Article 50 was not revoked. BBC Politics Live host Jo Coburn suggested the “holy grail” of the Scottish leader to secure a second vote could paradoxically be helping Theresa May deliver Brexit when she brings her deal back before the Commons.

Speaking to SNP MP Kirsty Blackman, Ms Coburn suggested: “Nicola Sturgeon has promised a second independence referendum if Brexit happens, so why not vote for a Brexit deal and help secure that second independence referendum?”

The Scottish MP rejected the proposition claiming her party does not want the UK to be “dragged” out of the EU in the first place.

She said: “The reality is we don’t want to be dragged out of the EU, we don’t want the UK to be dragged out of the EU.

“We have done, at every single opportunity, what we can to protect the jobs, the livelihood and the rights on living standards of our constituents across the UK.

“If you look at our record, everything that we have done has been in order to try stop Brexit.”

Why not vote for a Brexit deal and help secure that second independence referendum?

Jo Coburn

But Jo Coburn explained: “But for you and your supporters, they want a second independence referendum and that can only be really guaranteed by the SN and Nicola Sturgeon if there is an exit – as you have just said you don’t want to see Britain being dragged out of the EU – but if they were you and your supporters would get that second referendum.

“And that is the holy grail for you.”

Addressing her party conference in Edinburgh last month, Ms Sturgeon said: “It is time for Scotland to become independent.

“The last three years have shown, beyond any doubt, that for Scotland the Westminster system is broken.”

“If the UK can’t be persuaded to change course, Scotland must. We must have the choice of a better future.

“Scotland must have the choice of an independent future.”

With the UK taking part in the upcoming European elections, Ms Sturgeon called on Remainers to vote for her party.

She said: “Scotland’s not for Brexit, Scotland’s for Europe. If you want to keep Scotland in Europe, vote SNP.”

Ms Sturgeon continued: “Our economic and social ambitions can best be realised if Scotland is a member of the EU.”

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