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).
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.' 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 National (@ScotNational) October 26, 2022
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.
“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.
