Gordon Brown has said Boris Johnson should not be "afraid" of a second independence referendum, arguing that he had "no doubt" the Unionist side would win again.

       The former prime minister said the Tory Government thought they "can't afford to have a referendum", but he was "ready any time to put my arguments" for a rerun of the 2014 vote.

       His intervention came with Nicola Sturgeon expected shortly to unveil legislation for another separation vote, which she wants to stage by autumn next year.

       The Scottish Tories denied the UK Government was "scared" of another referendum, but argued "it's the last thing Scotland needs right now", as the country attempts to rebuild after the pandemic and with the focus on the "horrific events in Ukraine."

       A senior Nationalist also warned that Ms Sturgeon's timetable could backfire and reduce support for independence as Scots are "uncomfortable" with having another referendum.

       Kevin Pringle, who was Alex Salmond's chief spin doctor when he was first minister, said Ms Sturgeon's timetable appeared unrealistic "given the hurdles to be overcome and extensive preparations required."

       However, he argued that another referendum could still be held before the May 2026 Holyrood election despite the UK Government's refusal to transfer the necessary powers for another vote.

       Mr Brown told the Sunday Times: "I've got no doubt we can win a referendum if there is one, and I'm not afraid of a referendum and don't spend my time thinking about how we can avoid one.

       "But there's no doubt that's what the Government thinks that they can't afford to have a referendum. I'm not afraid of fighting a referendum or arguing the case in a referendum. I'm ready any time to put my arguments."

       But Donald Cameron, the Scottish Tories' shadow constitution secretary, said: "These comments are deeply reckless coming from a former Labour leader – and are just the latest example of Labour caving in to the SNP on independence."

       Ian Blackford, the SNP's Westminster leader, told BBC Scotland's Sunday Show there was a majority at Holyrood for independence when SNP and Green MSPs are combined.