SNP warned against 'doom-mongering' over Brexit vote to try to get second independence referendum

The UK government has accused the SNP of "doom-mongering" with "increasingly alarmist" rhetoric about Britain's future outside the EU.

In a speech in Glasgow, Scottish Secretary David Mundell warned the party to cease growing talk of a second independence referendum and instead embrace the "opportunities" of leaving the European Union.

Brexit could herald "a phase full of opportunity for Scotland within the UK", he added, calling for "a positive and responsible approach from those in positions of responsibility".

He warned that an independent Scotland would need to join the single currency, would have to pay more towards the EU budget and would need to open its borders to migration within the EU.

Brexit "does not make Scottish independence any more attractive, viable or beneficial a prospect than it was in 2014", he added.

"From being a strong voice within the third largest member state, Scotland would instead be one of the EU's smallest members," he said.

"The vital Union for Scotland's interests remains the United Kingdom and I believe we are entering a phase full of opportunity for Scotland within the UK.

"First, because of the fundamental strengths of the United Kingdom, which have endured for centuries.

"There are the broad shoulders of the world's fifth-largest economy and the pooling and sharing of resources across its constituent parts.

"It is the UK's fundamental stability, even in the context of Brexit, which makes the case for the Union so compelling."