As the First Minister announces she is set to “restart the debate on independence”, local politicians have said they will continue to stand up for the majority of the Borders who just want to move on from the constitutional debate.

Nicola Sturgeon said the publication of a new SNP commissioned economic report on Friday would trigger the launch of a new campaign for independence. The First Minister would not agree to outline the timing for another referendum, but said it may be this year.

It is also being reported the ‘Growth Commission’ report, which has been subject to repeated delays, will recommend an independent Scotland adopts its own currency, something which local politicians John Lamont MP and Rachael Hamilton MSP have said would be a “disaster” for the Borders.

John Lamont MP said: “One of the major reasons I was elected last year was because people were sick to the back teeth of the Scottish Government’s attempts to take us back to a divisive referendum.

“This latest attempt to restart a debate we have already had is looking increasingly desperate. Why is the First Minister not restarting the debate about sorting out whether Police Scotland is fit for purpose, or about how to fix our schools instead?

“I made a clear promise to voters that I would do all I can to stop another independence referendum and I intend to stick by this promise.”