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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Steph Brawn

Labour MP 'sorry' after calling SNP MP 'ridiculous and pointless'

LABOUR'S Ian Murray has apologised after branding an SNP MP “ridiculous and pointless” during a Commons debate on independence.

The shadow Scottish secretary accepted he had overstepped the mark when responding to Angus MacNeil - who represents Na h-Eileanan an Iar - in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

MacNeil had noted Murray was making good points about economic problems caused by the UK Government, adding: “On the basis of that would he prefer an independent Scotland with a Labour or SNP government or a Scotland inside the UK with a Tory government?”

Murray replied: “I’d prefer Scotland within the UK with a Labour government.

“What an absolutely ridiculous and pointless intervention from a ridiculous and pointless Member of Parliament … is that unparliamentary? OK, I apologise.”

Another MP could be heard shouting “it’s accurate” before Murray repeated his apology.

MacNeil later raised a point of order to say: “When you ask a question of a colleague in Parliament who finds it difficult to understand, is it in order to respond with insults?”

Deputy speaker Nigel Evans noted Murray had apologised immediately, adding: “I think you should really accept that with good grace.”

Murray went on: “I did apologise and I do so again.”

MacNeil shouted he accepted it.

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