Scots should get new independence vote if SNP wins, says Tory-linked consultancy

Memo from Hanbury Strategy calls for velvet no' campaign to convince voters to stay in the union

A leaked memo given to senior Conservatives suggests the UK government should agree to a fresh independence referendum if the Scottish National party wins an outright majority next May.

The document written by Hanbury Strategy, a consultancy with very close links to the Tories, argues the UK government could offer significant new powers to the Scottish parliament and put both options to the vote.