British Prime Minister David Cameron said the last thing Scotland needs right now is another referendum on its independence.
His comment came in response to First Minister for Scotland Nicola Sturgeon's statement that a second referendum to split from Britain is "highly likely", Efe news reported.
Sturgeon has expressed her desire to immediately start talks with Brussels in order to maintain "Scotland's place in the European Union (EU)".
Cameron has faced criticism after the Brexit -- Britain's exit from EU -- decision to leave the EU on June 23 and would not welcome a new debate on the break up of the country.
"Scotland's reasons for staying in the UK are just as strong now as they were 18 months ago," Cameron said.
In a referendum on September 18 2014, Scottish voters voted "no" to the question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"
Britain's vote to leave the EU sparked protests across pro-EU Scotland where only 38 per cent voted to leave, compared to 52 per cent across Britain overall.
--IANS
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