The SNP’s opposition to Brexit has “set a template for the unionists” to block independence, a former deputy leader of the party said today.

Jim Sillars said his party’s support for a second referendum on European Union membership would cause “a lot of complications and a lot of opportunity for Ruth Davidson to go and tell the Tory Prime Minister to make it as difficult as possible” for Scotland to separate from the UK.

Speaking at a Morning Star conference in Glasgow on Scotland’s future constitutional settlement, the former MP said: “The present conduct of the SNP and their anti-Brexit campaign has set a template for the unionists to stop us fulfilling a Yes vote.