Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon said an independence referendum that could wrench apart the United Kingdom after Brexit should take place in the earlier part of the devolved parliament’s next term, which begins next year. But the SNP leader’s demand was immediately shot down in Westminster, with Business Minister Nadhim Zahani making a strong case for Scotland and Wales to remain in the UK on BBC Question Time. 

The Tory MP said: “Devolution worked for Boris when he was London Mayor, by focussing on what London wanted which is security, better housing and cleaner air.

“And I think devolution needs to be seen, people need to see it working for them.

“We are much stronger together.

“The internal market is probably the most successful market in the world.”

He added: “What people in Swansea, in Glasgow and London need to see is politicians working much closer together in these difficult times.

“Because we are much stronger united.”

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon compares Boris to Donald Trump in independence threat

If there was another referendum and if Scots voted out, it would mark the biggest shock to the United Kingdom since Irish independence a century ago – just as London grapples with the impact of Brexit.

The pro-independence Scottish National Party leader said she anticipates that a vote will take place “in the earlier part” of the next Scottish parliament, which begins next year.

“The referendum for a whole variety of reasons should be in the earlier part of the next parliament,” Scottish First Minister Sturgeon told the BBC.

Scots voted 55-45 percent against independence in a 2014 referendum but both Brexit and the British Government’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis have bolstered support for independence among Scots.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the 2014 independence referendum was decisive and a once in a generation event, so should be respected.

His Government says there should not be another independence referendum in the near future.

But if Sturgeon wins the May 6 Scottish election, Johnson will have a difficult choice: refuse a referendum and thus allow Scottish discontent to simmer or allow a referendum which could break apart the union he says is so dear to him and his party.

The nations of Britain have shared the same monarch since James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603 and a formal union created the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707.