Blocking a second independence referendum being held would increase support for “both a referendum and for independence itself”, the First Minister has said.

Nicola Sturgeon’s comments come in response to defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon, who said the First Minister can “forget it” when asked if a second independence referendum would be facilitated by the UK Government.

The Scottish Parliament does not currently hold the power to legislate for an independence referendum without Downing Street’s prior consent.

Sir Michael told the Herald: “No, forget it. The respect agenda is two-way. She is constantly asking us to respect the SNP government but she has to respect the decision of Scotland to stay inside the UK in 2014 and the decision of the UK to leave the EU. Respect works two ways.”

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In a statement issued in response to these comments, the First Minister said: “The arrogance of the Tories knows no bounds.

“They now think they can do what they want to Scotland and get away with it – not content with trying to drag us out of EU against our will with the support of just one MP out of 59 in Scotland, they are now suggesting they might try to block the nation’s right to choose a different path.

“Any Tory bid to block a referendum would be a democratic outrage but would only succeed in boosting support for both a referendum and for independence itself – something which the Prime Minister has previously indicated she understands all too well.”

She added: “Our mandate is unequivocal, with a manifesto commitment which makes explicitly clear that the Scottish Parliament should have the right to decide on an independence referendum if Scotland faces being taken out of the EU against our will.

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“And no Tory Westminster government has a right to stand in the way of that.

“Michael Fallon’s comments betray how rattled the Tories are about Scotland – but his frantic backpedalling when pressed on the issue this morning shows that he understands what a disastrous strategy it would be for them to try and deny Scotland’s democratic right.”

Any independence referendum must either held by the UK Government or by Holyrood after the power to do so has been temporally devolved.

Through a series of negotiations, both governments agreed for Holyrood to legislate for the 2014 independence referendum with the Edinburgh Agreement.

STV News has learned no formal request from the Scottish Government to Downing Street for a section 30 order to be passed has been placed currently.

Nicola Sturgeon has said the chances of a second independence referendum are high following both the vote to leave the European Union in June and the Prime Minister’s intention of taking the whole of the UK out of the single market.

The Scottish Government has published proposals to keep Scotland in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves.

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The devolved administration has also published draft legislation last year to hold an independence referendum.

In its consolation document on the draft legislation, the Scottish Government said: “If the Scottish Government decides to formally introduce the bill to parliament, it would be expected that a section 30 order would be sought and agreed, as in 2014.”