Commenting on the Supreme Court ruling that the Scottish Government does not have the legal power to call an independence referendum, South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has said: “The Scottish Government was right to seek legal clarity on this question of a referendum and that clarity has now been given.

“We now need both the Scottish and UK Governments to focus on the huge issues families are facing, in particular the cost of living crisis.

“Too many people are having to choose between eating and heating, our NHS is in crisis and we are entering a recession that will be devastating, in particular for the most vulnerable. We don’t need more constitutional bickering.

“We need both our Governments to start to work together on the issues that matter. I don’t doubt this ruling will be disappointing for those who support independence, although I think even many of them felt right now was not the time for a referendum.

“I recognise there is a demand and a need for change across Scotland and UK but that can be delivered at the next General Election with a change of Government.”