Cunningham backed after independence debate chaos

Sturgeon supports environment secretary over angry scenes

Nicola Sturgeon has backed her environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham following chaotic scenes as a Holyrood independence debate was stopped after the London terror attacks.

Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Ms Cunningham refused to apologise after shouting and pointing at Tory MSPs on Wednesday afternoon.

She was seen jabbing her finger at Conservative MSPs, who moved to have the debate suspended, angrily shouting it was an “absolute disgrace” proceedings were being suspended, as it was giving in to terrorists.

MSPs on the Tory benches claimed she said: “This is because you don’t want to talk about independence.”

This was denied vigorously by both a spokesman for Ms Cunningham and the First Minister’s spokesman but SNP MSPs close to the scene refused to refute it when challenged by The Courier.

Following First Minister’s Questions, where Nicola Sturgeon said Holyrood stands in solidarity with “wonderful” London following the “heinous” attack on Westminster, Ms Cunningham refused to say sorry on six occasions, and did not deny the independence remark. She would only say: “You have the comment,” in reference to a statement issued by the SNP press office.

Asked later if Ms Sturgeon had confidence in Ms Cunningham, the First Minister’s spokesman said: “Yes”.

He denied Ms Cunningham mentioned independence, adding: “She never expressed any such view.”

Conservative chief whip John Lamont said: “It’s disappointing to see both the First Minister and Roseanna Cunningham herself fail to condemn this behaviour. The best thing this MSP could do would be to face up to what she said and apologise, rather than hiding from it.”

In a sombre FMQs, Scotland’s political leaders united to offer condolences to those affected and pay tribute to the emergency services. Ms Sturgeon stressed there is no specific terror threat to Scotland and said there is an increased police presence on the streets including “a significant uplift in armed officers.”

Leaders warned against finding a scapegoat for Wednesday’s attack.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson sent “deep condolences” to those affected and expressed gratitude to the emergency services and security staff. Scottish Labour’s Kezia Dugdale said: “No matter the religion, nationality or identity of the attacker, this cannot and must not turn into a war on any one community.”

Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie spoke out against those who were manipulating events to spread hatred. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, a former MP who walked over Westminster Bridge daily, spoke about how the tragedy had affected him personally.

The First Minister’s spokesman said Ms Cunningham, above, had the full confidence of Nicola Sturgeon, top.