SNP: If we need a second independence referendum 'so be it'
Angus Robertson told the Commons Scotland does not want to be part of a 'little Britain'.
If Scotland requires an independence referendum to stay in the European Union then "so be it", the SNP's Westminster leader has said.
Angus Robertson was speaking in the House of Commons following the Prime Minister's statement to MPs about the UK's decision to leave the European Union in Thursday's referendum.
The Moray MP said Scotland does not want to be part of a "little Britain" and the country being made to leave the European Union after 62% of voters wanted to stay would be "democratically unacceptable".
Robertson said: "In Scotland we voted to remain because we are a European nation and it really matters to us that we live in an outward looking country, not a diminished little Britain.
"In Scotland we are now being told from Westminster that despite the majority against Leave, we are going to have to do as we're told, we are going to be taken out of Europe against our will.
"Let me tell this House and our friends across Europe: we have no intention of seeing Scotland taken out of Europe.
"That would be totally democratically unacceptable. We are a European country and we will stay a European country. If that means we have to have an independence referendum to protect Scotland's place then so be it."
The Prime Minister told Robertson he believes Scotland "benefits" from remaining within the United Kingdom.
Cameron said: "Let me say this to him, Scotland benefits from being in two single markets - the United Kingdom and and the European single market.
"In my view the best outcome is to try to keep Scotland in both."
Earlier on Monday, the Prime Minister's spokesperson dismissed the prospects of a second referendum on Scottish independence in a briefing to journalists in Westminster.
The spokesperson said: "The last thing that Scotland needs now is a divisive [independence] referendum".
Nicola Sturgeon announced on Saturday the Scottish Government would begin drafting legislation to hold a second referendum on independence if it believes it is the only path to keeping Scotland within the European Union.