The union "is not safe in Theresa May's hands", Scottish Labour's only MP has claimed.

Ian Murray launched an attack against the Prime Minister just days after his party's leader, Kezia Dugdale, ruled out formally working in a joint campaign against independence during any future referendum.

Reports in the Times on Monday suggest Downing Street is readying itself for the First Minister to call for a second vote next month, around the time article 50 is triggered by the Prime Minister.

Murray said the actions of the Conservatives have played into the hands of the SNP.

The Edinburgh South MP said: "The Tories have consistently put the union at risk with their reckless actions in government, including the drive for a hard Brexit and the decision to introduce English votes for English laws.

"The union is not safe in Theresa May's hands. The Tories have created the grievances that Nicola Sturgeon thrives upon, allowing her to focus once again on the constitution rather than fix the problems her government has created in our NHS, schools and communities.

"The First Minister should get back to the day job."

Murray also repeated Dugdale's promise that Scottish Labour would never support a second referendum or independence.

A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: "When it comes to jeopardising the Union, Labour should look closer to home.

"Jeremy Corbyn couldn't be bothered coming to campaign in Scotland during the referendum, and Kezia Dugdale said it wouldn't be 'inconceivable' for her to vote Yes in future.

"Labour are weak on Scotland's place in the UK, and were punished accordingly at the ballot box in May."

During a speech last month, May vowed to protect the union during the Brexit period.

She said: "We will put the preservation of our precious union at the heart of everything we do.

"It is only by coming together as one great union of nations and people that we can make the most of opportunities ahead."

The Scottish Government cannot hold a referendum without Westminster agreeing to temporarily devolve the power to do so.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister refused to rule out blocking such a request during a briefing with journalists on Monday, instead insisting he would not get "into hypotheticals".

He added: "There was a vote in 2014. The people of Scotland made a decision then to remain in the union.

"All the evidence around would suggest that Scotland doesn't want another referendum.

"It was a fair, legal and decisive."