Nicola Sturgeon will threaten to derail Brexit by setting out plans for a second independence referendum unless Theresa May offers Scotland a special deal.

The Scottish First Minister could name the date she intends to hold a new referendum as early as this week, The Telegraph understands, if Mrs May does not bow to her will.

Ms Sturgeon has previously hinted that autumn 2018 would be a suitable time to call a referendum.

The ultimatum is expected to be delivered on Monday morning with the intention of influencing a Commons vote on Monday on MPs being given a “meaningful” say on the final deal offered to Britain by the EU.

She also wants to pile pressure on Mrs May just 24 hours before the Prime Minister hopes to be in a position to formally trigger Article 50.