AN SNP MP told raucous Tory backbenches they would “not be shouted down” at Prime Minister’s Questions after stating that Scotland’s “best future” lies with independence.
Alyn Smith, the SNP’s foreign affairs spokesperson, was speaking during Rishi Sunak’s first appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs).
READ MORE: Sunak doubles down on outrageous cutting funding from 'deprived urban areas' boast
He began: “I add my own congratulations to the Prime Minister on his appointment. We might not agree on everything, but I think we can all agree a more diverse politics can only be to the good.”
Smith went on: “We on these benches believe that Scotland’s best future is independence in Europe.”
It was at this that the Tory benches erupted, leading Smith to told them to “keep it coming”.
The jeers from the party in government only grew as Smith went on to “urge the members opposite to show a little more respect”.
“It’s not just us, it’s not just the SNP – and I will not be shouted down,” the Stirling MP continued. “It’s not just the SNP. In the last opinion poll, 72% of the people of Scotland want back into the European Union.”
One Tory could be heard shouting “what about the actual results” during this part of Smith’s speech. In the 2016 Brexit referendum, 62% of the people in Scotland voted to Remain in the EU.
'I will not be shouted down.'
— The National (@ScotNational) October 26, 2022
SNP MP Alyn Smith faced jeers from the Tory backbenches at PMQs after saying 'Scotland’s best future is independence in Europe' 👇 pic.twitter.com/LdCYfglhd3
The SNP MP went on: “If the Prime Minister is to retain any credibility in the eyes of the people of Scotland, how long does he think he can deny Scotland’s democracy?”
In response, Sunak thanked Smith for his “kind words” on his appointment, going on: “He talked about respect, I would gently urge him to respect the result of the referendum we had in Scotland.
READ MORE: Rishi Sunak’s plan for ‘UK-wide' government to ‘turn constitutional clock back’
“While we disagree on that issue, I can tell him that I do remain committed to working constructively in partnership with the Scottish Government to deliver for the people of Scotland.”
Sunak reportedly wants to "re-establish" a level of respect between his Tory government and the Scottish Government.
He spoke to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday, his first day in office, reversing Liz Truss's policy of not speaking with the devolved leaders even once.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel