British Prime Minister Theresa May told the Scottish government on Thursday "now is not the time" for a second independence referendum, saying it would be unfair for people to vote without knowing the conclusion of Brexit talks.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for a referendum before the end of the two years of talks set out under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to leave the European Union, accusing May of ignoring Scotland's demands.

"Right now we should be working together not pulling apart. We should be working together to get that right deal for Scotland, that right deal for the UK, that's my job as prime minister and so for that reason I say to the SNP (Scottish National Party) now is not the time," May told British television.

"To look at this issue at this time would be unfair because people wouldn't have the necessary information to make such a crucial decision."