Humza Yousaf demanded the power to hold another independence referendum during his first meeting with Rishi Sunak last night, despite an ongoing police investigation into the SNP.
The new Scottish First Minister told Sunak that he hoped he would "respect the democratic wishes" of the Scottish Parliament by transferring the powers to allow a separation vote.
However, the Prime Minister told the leader of the SNP to instead work with the UK Government on taking control of the cost of living crisis with a "relentless and focused approach".
Yousaf also used his face-to-face meeting with Sunak to challenge the Foreign Secretary's crackdown on SNP ministers using meetings with overseas governments to promote independence and attack Brexit.
The Prime Minister told the leader of the SNP to instead work with the UK Government on taking control of the cost of living crisis
PA
James Cleverly was set to write to Britain's embassies last month to remind them that a UK diplomat should be present during meetings between SNP ministers and foreign governments.
Yousaf also raised concerns over Lord Frost's call for some devolved powers to be reduced, despite him not being a government minister.
The "informal" meeting, which lasted around 20 minutes, was held in the Prime Minister's Commons office.
The First Minister is expected to meet the SNP's Westminster group on Tuesday before returning to Scotland.
The political fall out over a police investigation into the party's finances is likely to dominate the discussions with his MPs.
Yousaf's demand for referendum powers comes as Mike Russell, the SNP's president declared that the party is facing its biggest crisis in 50 years and independence could not be achieved "right now".
In reference to the legislative tool used to transfer powers for a referendum, a spokesman for the First Minister said he had "made clear that he expects the PM to respect the democratic wishes of Scotland’s Parliament by granting a Section 30 order”.
The spokesman added: "The First Minister raised concerns around UK Government attacks on devolution, including the Foreign Secretary’s clumsy intervention on Scottish Government activity abroad and comments on devolution from Lord Frost."
A police investigation into the SNP's finances was launched earlier this month
PA
Other topics raised by Yousaf included a Scottish Government demand for its deposit return scheme on drinks containers to receive an exemption from the Internal Market Act - meaning it would apply to products imported from the rest of the UK.
He opposed a 10.1 per cent rise in duty on Scotch whisky and "was pleased the Prime Minister committed to fairness", adding: "He now needs to deliver on that."
Sunak emphasised his commitment to supporting people with the cost of living and asked the Scottish Government to "help amplify this important support."
Sources close to the Prime Minister said he also "reiterated the need for all levels of government to be working together on these priorities, with a relentless and focused approach."
