Jeremy Corbyn says he will not rule out allowing Nicola Sturgeon to hold another independence referendum if he becomes Prime Minister.
The UK Labour leader said he would make a decision if and when the request is made.
His party stood on a platform at both Westminster and Holyrood elections of opposing a second referendum.
He was asked in a BBC Scotland for his response if the First Minister asked for the power to hold another vote on a Scots breakaway.
Speaking ahead of Labour conference, the Islington North MP replied: “We would obviously decide at the time.”
Asked if he was ruling out signing off Indyref2, he said: “I’m not ruling it out – I’m just pointing out the reality.
“We don’t want another referendum, we don’t think another referendum is a good idea, and we’ll be very clear on why we don’t think it’s a good idea.”
Mr Corbyn pointed to the £13 billion deficit in Scotland as a reason why his party could not support Indyref2, adding a Labour government would invest in Scotland with a £20bn transformation fund.
Scottish Conservative Adam Tomkins said: “Jeremy Corbyn does not care about Scotland, and has no interest in standing up to the nationalists, as this latest gaffe proves.”
