SCOTTISH Labour leadership contender Joe Fagan says he would not stand in the way of a second referendum on separation if it is the “settled will of the people.”

The comments from the South Scotland MSP came just days before his contest with North East MSP Michael Marra to succeed Anas Sarwar draws to a close.

“I don’t support independence and I don’t support an independence referendum,” he said.

“I think there’s another question around what are the circumstances in which it is legitimate to have one, and I think that’s the debate that seems to be preoccupying people just now.

“If it’s the settled will of the people that not only should there be another referendum, but that the country is prepared for independence and the country wants to vote for independence, then I wouldn’t stand in the way of another referendum.

“But it’s not something that I support. It’s not something that I’d argue for.”

Mr Fagan’s remarks came after a week that has seen the SNP seized on Andy Burnham’s comparison between the decision on an Irish border poll and any possible Scottish referendum at Prime Minister’s Questions, prompting First Minister John Swinney to call for talks.

The First Minister said: “Crucially, for the first time since 2014, there is a British Prime Minister who has publicly accepted the democratic principle of self-determination.

“The momentum behind serious constitutional change is undeniable.”

Responding to Mr Swinney by letter, Mr Burnham said: “As I made clear to you personally when we met recently in Glasgow, independence and a referendum are off limits as it would take our focus away from growing the economy and helping families with the cost of living.”