Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of Scotland, has informed Scotland's first minister it is not the right time to hold a second independence vote.
On the same day that dozens of his ministers and aides demanded he quit, Nicola Sturgeon wrote him a letter.
Last week, the FM wrote Mr Johnson to inform him that she was open to negotiations to obtain the power to hold the election.
Ms. Sturgeon stated that she had received his reply, and asked if it would be one his last acts as PM.
On Tuesday night, both the Health Secretary Savid Javid and Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, resigned.
After a row about Mr Johnson's earlier in the year appointment of Chris Pincher deputy chief whip, they went within minutes of one another.
Their departures have sparked a wave of resignations with Kemi Badenoch and Alex Burghart being among the most recent departures.
David Duguid, Scottish Tory MP, has stated that the PM's position now is "untenable". However, Alister Jack, Scottish Secretary, gave his full support to Mr Johnson.
Prime Minister's Questions: Johnson stated that he has a "colossal mandate", and would "keep going".
It was discovered that on Wednesday afternoon, the prime minister wrote a letter to Ms. Sturgeon stating: "I have carefully considered your arguments for a transfer power from the UK parliament into the Scottish parliament to hold another referendum about independence."
"As our nation faces unprecedented challenges at home as well as aboard, I cannot agree with you that now is not the time to revisit a question that was answered clearly by the people in Scotland in 2014."
Ms. Sturgeon proposed to MSPs that the 19th of October 2023 be used as the date for a second referendum on independence, before the Scottish Parliament went into its summer recess.
She stated that the question would be exactly the same as the 2014 referendum: "Should Scotland become an independent country?"
To hold a legal referendum in Scotland, however, special powers must be granted by Westminster.
The letter dated 6/7/2015 from Mr Johnson makes it clear that this will not happen under his leadership.
Ms. Sturgeon tweeted her reply, writing: "Just received this form Johnson (one his last acts as PM?) ).
To be clear, Scotland will have an opportunity to choose independence. I hope it's in a referendum on the 19th of October 2023, but if not, by general elections. The Scottish democracy will not be held hostage to this PM or any other."
Johnson wrote that he highlighted the cooperation between the two governments in reducing the cost of living and close collaboration to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. He also expressed support for the UK's ongoing response to the conflict in Ukraine.
He concluded that "On all fronts we stand to achieve so many more for the people who we serve by continuing our work together as partners. I am grateful for your kind words.
