In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Scottish First Minister said she wanted to have a joint discussion regarding an effective recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In a tweet this afternoon, Ms Sturgeon added: “We differ politically, but our governments must work together where we can.”

It comes after a leaked agenda for the SNP’s conference next month shows the party is planning to pass motions that would ramp up plans for a second separation vote. 

Another motion also reveals that legislation for a new referendum should be introduced into the Scottish Parliament “at the earliest moment” after a “clear end” to the pandemic.

But during the Scottish Parliament election, the SNP claimed that they wouldn’t push for another referendum within the first 100 days.

Holyrood opposition parties have now accused Nicola Sturgeon of breaking her promise to Scottish voters on pushing for another independence referendum.

Donald Cameron MSP, Scottish Conservative Constitution spokesperson, said: “Nicola Sturgeon vowed not to push for another divisive referendum for at least 100 days after the Scottish Parliament election. She’s already broken that promise.

“This draft conference agenda shows that the SNP are blatantly working on breaking up the country.

“Instead of concentrating on Covid recovery and protecting jobs, they’re plotting how to divide people at the worst possible moment, just as an economic crisis looms

“The SNP’s eyes are off the ball again. 

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“They won’t focus on what really matters and set aside their narrow and selfish political interests for a mere 100 days, never mind the rest of the Scottish Parliament term.

“We are building Scotland’s real alternative to the SNP to end this era where jobs, schools, drug deaths and every other key issue takes a back seat to the nationalists’ obsession with another referendum.”

Pamela Nash, chief executive of pro-Union campaign group Scotland in Union, said: “Prioritising a divisive referendum over Scotland’s recovery is grossly irresponsible.

“Rather than threatening a constitutional crisis and a hard border with our friends and neighbours, the people of Scotland want their governments to focus on recovery from the pandemic.

“By working together we can ensure that no community in the UK is left behind.”

It comes after Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the UK Government would not stand in the way of another vote on Scottish independence if it is the “settled will” of voters.

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Westminster has repeatedly rejected requests from the Scottish Government for the necessary powers to hold another vote but Mr Gove said if the public desire a second referendum, “one would occur”.

The comment comes in the wake of a decline in support for independence.

Following around six months of consistent polling showing majority support for separation last year – with one poll going as high as 58 percent in favour – the tide began to turn at the beginning of 2021.

The most recent survey by Panelbase for the Sunday Times found 48 percent of the 1,287 respondents supported leaving the UK.

It also emerged today that Police Scotland has changed its codename for Boris Johnson’s next trip north of the border in a bid to not offend him.

Force chiefs named the security assignment “Operation Bunter”, however it has been switched after concerns were raised within the force.

The name of the operation echoed the fictional overweight schoolboy Billy Bunter and it is thought it could have caused offence to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. 

Mr Johnson, who attended Eton College, had previously admitted he has struggled with his weight and earlier this year pledged to cut out “late-night cheese” and take early-morning runs in an attempt to shed some pounds.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Operational names are auto-generated by computer and can be changed if they are deemed to be inappropriate.”