The SNP could have a “paralysing effect” on the economy because of Nicola Sturgeon’s refusal to rule out pushing for another referendum on independence, Nick Clegg has warned.
The Liberal Democrat leader claimed the SNP leader refused to accept the result of last year’s public vote in Scotland.
Ms Sturgeon has not ruled out pushing for another vote but has placed a “triple lock” on the issue, saying it would require a change in public opinion, the election of a party proposing independence and then another referendum.
Mr Clegg said: “It is of huge significance that despite their protestations that they have got no plans to keep constantly asking everybody the same question until they get an answer they want, actually that is precisely what they intend to do.
“I think that would have a paralysing effect on the Scottish economy and would have a paralysing effect on the UK economy as a whole if we’re constantly trying to guess every few years whether the SNP are going to get their way.
“They just don’t seem to be able to accept the answer they received at the ballot box.”
Mr Clegg faces the potential loss of key allies in Scotland including Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander as a result of the SNP surge.