SNP walk out of Commons after freakish Speaker row

SNP Westminster leader kicked out of PMQs and MPs follow after he challenges Speaker

The SNP MP Ian Blackford leaves the House of Commons after repeated clashes with the Speaker, John Bercow, during PMQs.

Mr Blackford asked for the House to sit in private but, after being rebuffed by Mr Bercow, he continued his protests.

The SNP has described this as a "democratic outrage" and claimed that Scotland's voice is being silenced while UK Government ministers carried out a "power grab".

"I have a duty on behalf of my colleagues, on behalf of the First Minister and the government of Scotland and of the Parliament of Scotland, to stand up against the betrayal that has taken place of the Scottish people with the unprecedented power grab which is taking place".

A baby sitting in the public gallery of the House of Commons has been praised for her good behaviour during today's explosive meeting - and even got a round of applause.

"What we saw last night is the government ramming through legislation that takes responsibility of 24 areas back from the Scottish Parliament but remarkably without debate".

However, May responded: "We do expect that the outcome of the whole Brexit is a significant increase in the decision making power of Holyrood".

PA Wire PA Images
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has backed the party's Westminster leader over his challenge of the speaker
PA Wire PA Images First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has backed the party's Westminster leader over his challenge of the speaker

But MSPs at the Scottish Parliament refused to give their blessing for May's Bill - something Blackford says has been ignored.

His actions today were as a direct result of the democratic outrage in the House of Commons last night, as the Tories' power grab on devolved administrations was not debated in the chamber, and Labour abstained on a devolution amendment in a shocking dereliction of duty.

The heated scenario occurred during lively talks about Brexit as Prime Minister Theresa May faced tough questioning from ministers over the EU Withdrawal Bill.

The party's Westminster leader was then followed by all other SNP MPs.

Just 19 minutes were allocated for debate at Westminster on issues related to devolution during the EU Withdrawal Bill debate last night - 19 minutes during which not one Scottish MP was given the opportunity to speak, the entire time was hogged by cabinet office minister David Lidington. My mixed sequence of advice is that is better for the vote to be conducted at the conclusion of questions to the prime minister... The SNP calls it a "power grab", something the United Kingdom government denies.

Moments later, Nicola Sturgeon tweeted she was "right behind" her party's MPs.

We walked out of PMQs because Scotland's voice is being ignored, Scottish democracy is being disrespected.

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