Stephen Flynn has told Rishi Sunak to "up his game" after a new poll revealed support for Scottish independence has risen to 56 per cent.
The new SNP Westminster leader faced the Prime Minster in the House of Commons for the first time since he defeated Alison Thewliss in the leadership race to replace Ian Blackford.
The Aberdeen South MP challenged Sunak about a new Scottish independence poll that showed support for leaving the UK has risen to 56 per cent following the Supreme Court ruling.
Flynn said: "Far be it for me to offer advice to a near billionaire, but he's going to have to up his game and here's why. In the last 15 minutes a poll has landed which shows the support for Scottish independence has now hit 56 per cent. And support for the Scottish National Party sits north of 50 per cent.
"So, in that context, can I ask the Prime Minister does he consider that increasing energy bills on households in energy-rich Scotland by a further £500 will cause those poll numbers to rise or to fall?"
Sunak said: "What we're delivering for households across the United Kingdom, including those in Scotland, is £55 billion of support with energy bills.
"It will save a typical homeowner about £900 with their bills this winter, with extra support for the most vulnerable, and that is an example of the United Kingdom and the union delivering for people in Scotland."
Flynn also took aim at the Labour Party during his first remarks since taking over from Blackford.
He said: "What does he consider to be the greatest achievement of the Conservative Party in Government since 2019?
"Leaving the single market and customs union, ending freedom of movement, denying Scotland her democracy, or getting the Labour Party to agree with all of the above?"
The Prime Minister said: "May I also congratulate, or join the First Minister, in congratulating the honourable gentleman on his appointment as the Westminster leader of the SNP."
He added: "The things that we are most proud of in the last couple of years is making sure that we protected this country through the pandemic, with furlough and with the fastest vaccine rollout."
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
