SCOTTISH Labour is to put the prospect of a second independence referendum at the heart of its spring conference, suggesting it will also be key battleground in May’s local elections.

The party said its conference slogan would be “Together We’re Stronger”, an echo of the Better Together campaign in the 2014 independence referendum.

Scottish leader Kezia Dugdale said the phrase would convey her party’s opposition to a second referendum when it met in Perth at the end of the month.

Read more: Labour split as Dugdale opposes Corbyn on Article 50 Bill

UK leader Jeremy Corbyn, his deputy Tom Watson and London mayor Sadiq Khan are also due to attend the three-day event.

The SNP said it was clear Labour had “learned nothing” since its referendum alliance with the LibDems and Conservatives led to a haemorrhaging of its traditional supporters.

Ms Dugdale said: “People need a strong Scottish Labour Party focused on growing our economy, investing in public services and giving everybody a fair chance in life.

“Our country is divided enough, which is why Scottish Labour will firmly oppose the SNP’s reckless plans for a second independence referendum. Together, our country can be stronger.”

Read more: Labour split as Dugdale opposes Corbyn on Article 50 Bill

Mr Corbyn said his message would be that only a Labour government would hand back wealth and control to people and communities, fix the "rigged economy", and tax the rich appropriately.

“And only a Labour Government would end the race to the bottom in the jobs market and guarantee education and employment rights for all.”

Mr Khan said: “London and Scotland share many of the same challenges following the Brexit vote. Kezia Dugdale has set out a welcome and ambitious vision for our United Kingdom."

An SNP spokesman said: “Scottish Labour have already almost destroyed themselves with their obsessive cosying up to the Tories – but they have clearly learned nothing.

Read more: Labour split as Dugdale opposes Corbyn on Article 50 Bill

“Kezia Dugdale is now saying she would prefer a right-wing Tory Government intent on driving Scotland off the cliff edge of a hard Brexit than the chance to choose a different, better future.

“It is a position which almost beggars belief and for which Scottish Labour will pay a heavy electoral price.”