Nicola Sturgeon said she believes Scotland will be independent by 2025 - amid predictions she could hold the balance of power after June 8, according to Daily Mail.

Scotland's First Minister also repeated her vow to try to hold a second independence referendum within the new two years.

And she said that Scotland must be included in the Brexit talks and not be told to 'shut up' by Westminster.

Her comments come amid predictions that the SNP could hold the balance of power if Britain ends up with a hung parliament after June 8.

Miss Sturgeon has admitted that she would prop Jeremy Corbyn up in government - but suggested she would hold him hostage by negotiating on a 'policy by policy' basis.