IT is a truth universally acknowledged – at least by its advocates – that all things inexorably advance the cause of independence.

Boris Johnson has reiterated his opposition to a second vote on Scottish independence during a call with Nicola Sturgeon, despite her saying it is now a 'democratic right'.

In a letter to the SNP leader, Boris Johnson insisted he will not authorise another vote north of the border. He later told the Cabinet that he had an 'optimistic vision' for Scotland.

The SNP leader vowed to pass the law on the issue by the end of 2019 with a view to holding the vote in the second half of next year.

Boris Johnson said the 2014 ballot - when Scots voted to stay in the union - was a 'once in a generation' decision.

Jeremy Corbyn made yet another attempt to clarify his stance on a Scottish independence referendum today, saying: 'Certainly not in the first two years.'

Labour's leader in Scotland, Richard Leonard, today suggested that if would only require 'the election of parties into a majority' to provide a mandate.

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said she had won overwhelming support north of the border in the election last week - and the PM had no right to block a new bid to break up the UK.

The vote was driven by the SNP First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who insisted a second vote on independence is necessary to protect the country from the consequences of Brexit.

Rebecca Long-Bailey said she would not stand in the way of another referendum on Scottish independence as she clashed with her fellow Labour leadership candidates.

The monarch made a surprise plea to Scots to 'think very carefully' about how they would vote, just a week before the 2014 vote. The No campaign went on to win the vote 55 per cent to 45 per cent.

Soon after David Cameron's intervention, the Queen told a well-wisher near Balmoral that she hoped 'people would think very carefully about the future'.

Alex Salmond who spearheaded the Yes Scotland campaign for independence in 2014 has said it was improper and desperate for the former PM to have asked the Queen for help.