Fruity exchange during SNP MP’s Brexit speech

Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has said the Scottish people “blew a large raspberry” at the SNP’s plans for independence, as the party warned of “constitutional and economic sabotage” after Brexit.

SNP MP Stephen Gethins said triggering Article 50 would have a major economic impact on Scotland as he outlined his party’s amendment that would block the Bill.

The SNP’s Europe spokesman pressed the Government to publish its White Paper outlining its Brexit strategy, highlighting the Scottish Government’s detailed White Paper policy document before the independence referendum.

In an intervention, Mr Rees-Mogg said: “I’m very grateful to him, but I seem to remember the Scottish people blew a large raspberry at that White Paper.”

Mr Gethins told MPs the only detailed plans for Brexit had been published by the Scottish and Welsh Governments.

He added that Scotland had voted to Remain and was now being taken out of the EU by a Conservative Party that just posted its worst general election result since 1865 in Scotland.

Mr Gethins said: “Passing this Bill and turning your back on our amendment would turn its back on the progress made and disrespect the devolution settlement.”

Mr Gethins said white papers were usually published before MPs considered legislation.

Mr Gethins said the House of Commons was at a crossroads, adding: “Are we going to have one of continuing progress and prosperity, whereby we maintain a close relationship with our partners in Europe, as set out by the Scottish Government in its plans?

“The alternative to that is a path of isolationism and exceptionalism, that leaves us...desperately scrabbling around for friends, and the Prime Minister, who has left her place, will note the reaction to her visit to Washington on the streets the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.”

“Raspberry”: Jacob Rees-Mogg.