Scottish Secretary Alister Jack has urged Nicola Sturgeon's government to focus on the "issues that matter" following its defeat in the Supreme Court.
Judges on the court ruled against the Scottish Government concluding that Holyrood cannot hold a second independence referendum without consent from Westminster.
Reacting to the verdict, that was announced earlier today, the MP for Dumfries and Galloway said the UK Government would work constructively to tackle the current challenges such as the cost of living crisis.
He said: "People in Scotland want both their governments to be concentrating all attention and resources on the issues that matter most to them."
President of the court Lord Reed said the panel of five Supreme Court justices did not accept arguments made on behalf of the SNP, which intervened in the case, based on the "right to self determination" in international law.
He said: "The Scottish Parliament does not have the power to legislate for a referendum on Scottish independence."
While Jack added: "We note and respect the unanimous ruling from the Supreme Court today. People in Scotland want both their governments to be concentrating all attention and resources on the issues that matter most to them.
"That’s why we are focussed on issues like restoring economic stability, getting people the help they need with their energy bills, and supporting our NHS.
"Today alone, 11.6 million UK pensioners – around one million in Scotland – are starting to receive up to £600 to help with their energy bills this winter.
"As the Prime Minister has made clear, we will continue to work constructively with the Scottish Government in tackling all the challenges we share and face."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she respects the courts conclusion, but added it "exposes as myth" the UK is a voluntary union. She stated: "Today's ruling blocks one route to Scotland's voice being heard on independence - but in a democracy our voice cannot and will not be silenced."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the Supreme Court had given a clear answer on the legal question and "we must now focus on the problems facing our country, from rising bills to the crisis in our NHS".
He said: "There is not a majority in Scotland for a referendum or independence, neither is there a majority for the status quo. One thing is clear, there is a majority in Scotland and across the UK for change. That change could be delivered by a Labour government."
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