JO Swinson has described breaking up the UK, if Scotland was to vote for independence , as “much more difficult than what we’re experiencing with Brexit ”.

The LibDem leader said it is a lesson she has learned throughout the process since the EU referendum took place in June 2016.

Speaking on radio programme Scotland’s Talk In on Clyde 2 and Forth 2, the East Dunbartonshire MP said she was the only party leader campaigning to keep Scotland in the UK and the UK in the EU.

Last week at the SNP conference, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a second independence referendum “must happen next year”.

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Yesterday, Swinson said: “I want the UK to stay in the European Union, that’s what I’m working for and I believe that’s still possible.

“I believe we can still do that and I’m not giving up on that cause because I think we’re better off having Scotland in the UK and the UK in the EU.

“And let’s remember that’s also what Scotland has voted for – 55% voted to keep Scotland in the UK, 62% voted to keep the UK in the EU. I’m pretty much the only party leader in Scotland that’s arguing for that position.”

The LibDem leader also reiterated her own candidacy for prime minister, and promoted the view that there is “a real opportunity” for her party to overtake Labour.