Nicola Sturgeon said last night the announcement of an election in just a few weeks’ time may affect the timing of a second independence referendum.
A spokeswoman for the First Minister said she has yet to set out plans for second vote.
But north-east politicians said the election was a chance to send out a message on the issue.
Lewis Macdonald said it was a chance to reject a referendum and maintain a “close relationship with Europe.”
The north-east MSP said: “What Theresa May is looking for in this election is a mandate on Brexit.
“What Labour is looking for is to give people the chance to take a second referendum on independence off the table and to say that the direction May is taking us in on Brexit is wrong.
“We hope people who oppose that and agree with other parts of our agenda will vote for us.
“We will reject a second independence referendum and maintain a close relationship with Europe.”
Fellow north-east MSP Ross Thomson said it was the chance to get a mandate on Brexit negotiations and reject another referendum.
He said: “While we remain focused on May 4 and securing as many councillors as possible, the local Scottish Conservative party is organised and ready to fight another general election.
“The Prime Minister is right to seek a strong mandate from the British public before entering negotiations to leave the EU and get the best possible deal for the whole of the UK.
“Parliament is divided and parties such as the SNP are intent on frustrating the Brexit process at every turn.
“A vote for the Scottish Conservatives will be a vote against SNP plans for a second independence referendum that a majority in Scotland do not want.
“The question was asked in 2014 and was answered emphatically, especially here in the north-east.”
But Aberdeen North MP Kirsty Blackman said the early election was at odds with the Prime Minister’s stance on a second referendum.
She said: “This blows Theresa May’s suggestion that now is not the time for a referendum out of the water.
“She is playing politics.
“The SNP will always work for the best interests of the people of Scotland.”
