WATCH: Guardian and Spectator journalists say Boris Johnson can't deny indyref2

Kate Andrews from The Spectator and Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland were joined by SNP MP David Linden and Tory MP Mark Harper on the BBC's Politics Live show.

Host Jo Coburn referenced an interview Nicola Sturgeon did with The Guardian in which she said the Prime Minister will allow indyref2 if the SNP wins a majority in next month's Holyrood election.

But Downing Street told the Daily Mirror they would reject another referendum.

Andrews was asked whether she detects a shift in emphasis from the once in a generation comment that Alex Salmond made in 2014.

She responded: "I don't see a shift in tone yet because I think it's the last thing from another lockdown that Boris Johnson wants but I'm inclined to agree that the results in early May could well influence things one way or another.

"I think it becomes increasingly difficult in Westminster to deny a referendum when there have been multiple votes for a party, or multiple parties, that support independence. That's a separate question from whether it is an appropriate amount of time, whether it's what people were sold when they had their last referendum."

READ MORE: Douglas Ross's five most awkward moments at the STV Leaders' Debate

She went on: "We were told it was once in a generation. It does seem to be being undermined by those who support a referendum for independence again but that's almost a separate point from the way that people decide to vote in early May.

"Boris Johnson is going to have to I think, at some point, listen to that result of a democratic vote."

Freedland agreed, saying leaving a gap before another referendum would be Westminster's "preferred position".

"The trouble is you get mandates in multiple ways and if the SNP and perhaps even their allies committed to a referendum win an overall majority on a very clear platform saying 'give us this mandate and we will press for a second referendum', it's very hard for him [Johnson] to then reject that and simultaneously call himself a democrat," he said.

"But particularly if he himself says the only way to stop a second referendum is to prevent that majority then logic says if they get the majority there will be one. He is actually doing the SNP's work for it by saying a win on May 6 will be that mandate."

He added: "The problem he has is partly because of Brexit that when there is mandate you have to honour it – that was his message all the way through after 2016.

"The second problem he has is that he is uniquely ill-equipped and unsuited to win such a battle, whatever his popularity in England, he is deeply unpopular – an almost toxic figure I think – north of the border and will really struggle to win a referendum campaign. I think that's a big problem particularly for him."

It comes as Nicola Sturgeon made the case for independence and promised a vote after the Covid pandemic has passed at last night's STV leaders' debate.

READ MORE: Independence is the winner in leaders' debate as Harvie and Sturgeon trounce opponents

In her opening statement, she said: “The only sure way to get a re-elected SNP Government is to vote SNP with both votes. At stake is Scotland’s future. This election will determine, ultimately, who decides that future –those of us who live here or Westminster politicians like Boris Johnson.

“By giving both votes to the SNP, you will secure leadership through Covid, a plan for recovery and, when the crisis is over, the choice of a better future with independence.”