CONSTITUTIONAL Relations Secretary Michael Russell has said holding a fresh Scottish independence referendum this year is the "right thing to do".

Speaking to ITV Borders after the Prime Minister rejected Nicola Sturgeon's request for Section 30 powers, Russell said he intends to deliver indyref2 in 2020 to help end the current uncertainty.

Asked what the Scottish Government intends to do following today's development, Russell said: "I think a referendum this year is the right thing to do

"I intend to deliver it because it's the right thing to do and it's the right thing to do because it ends the uncertainty. It's really important the uncertainty comes to an end.

"Boris Johnson is continuing the uncertainty and continuing the decline of the UK. 

"He is obsessed with delivering Brexit, which will damage Scotland, damage everybody who's watching this, unfortunately.

"We intend to give the people of Scotland the opportunity to choose."

Earlier, SNP MP Joanna Cherry called on her party to consider other kinds of action - such as Kenny MacAskill's constitutional convention idea - to push for indyref2.

A constitutional convention was put together ahead of the referendum on Scottish devolution.