NICOLA Sturgeon should scrap plans for a second independence referendum and commit to working with the UK government according to one local MP.

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, David Mundell says that the First Minister should drop the notion of another vote.

It's 'highly likely' Scotland will be asked to vote on independence before 2020 Ms Sturgeon has said.

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Mr Mundell said: “The people of Scotland spoke loudly and clearly in the result of the legal, fair and decisive referendum of 2014 and that should be respected, as the UK and Scottish Governments both committed to do in the Edinburgh Agreement.

"As we prepare to leave the EU, the First Minister should commit her Government to working constructively with the UK Government to seize the opportunities that will bring, not taking Scotland back to the divisive constitutional debates of the past."

Another local MP welcomed the announcement.

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Alan Brown said: “I welcome the fact that our First Minister is continuing to lead within Europe and is taking concrete steps to increase trade for Scotland and boost wider EU relationships. This is in stark contrast to the UK Government who either cannot tell us what their plans are or indeed whether they are simply winging it. Worse still, they have appointed a Trade Secretary in the guise of Liam Fox who has already talked down UK businesses at every turn.

"The increased childcare proposals are very positive and promote choice which and I am sure will be good for parents, children and those who work in the childcare sector. This includes the many excellent childminders and voluntary run organisations we have across East Ayrshire. Nicola has committed to closing the attainment gap and this must be tackled from early years so it is important that all children start their main school years on an even footing. We are even doing our best to make sure that children get the best start at birth by committing to the baby box of essential goods which has proven to be successful in Finland – a small independent country, widely regarded has having the best education system in the world.

"Finally I am fully supportive of our First Minister’s pledge to put inclusion at the heart of everything we do and welcome her announcement of an independent review of the system that supports children in care. Real progress is being made in improving the life chances of looked after children but we cannot ignore the dispiriting reality for too many care experienced children. They are less likely to go to university, more likely to experience homelessness and to have a lower life expectancy. A new review process, with those who have experienced care playing a vital role, means we can look at the underpinning laws, practices, culture and ethos behind the care system and create real and lasting positive change.”