ONE of Warrington’s MPs has taken a swipe at Scottish independence in defence of the Government.

Warrington South MP Andy Carter became embroiled in a heated debate in the House of Commons yesterday, Monday, over confidence in the Government.

MPs pointed across the chamber and shouted at each other during a tense and angry exchange on what was the hottest day of the year so far.

It came as MPs prepared to vote on the confidence motion, with Labour's attempt at calling a confidence motion blocked by ministers last week over ‘incorrect wording’.

SNP MP Stewart McDonald, who represents the Glasgow South constituency, told the Commons: “We don't have a Government, it's a Government in name only.

“It's essentially now a form of organised Tory hooliganism that squats in these offices of state, that squats in these departments and squats most of all in Downing Street.”

But Mr Carter responded that the definition of hooliganism is the SNP ‘trying to smash up the United Kingdom’.

He said: “Following the honourable member for Edinburgh East, one of his colleagues, just a few moments ago, talked about 'Tory hooliganism'.

“The definition of hooliganism is the SNP trying to smash up the United Kingdom. That's hooliganism.

“The motion we are debating tonight asks, 'does this House have confidence in Her Majesty's Government?' Absolutely yes, we have confidence in this Government.

“Why do I say this? Well, this Government is delivering for British people, is delivering for my constituents in Warrington South.”

The sour atmosphere in the chamber continued throughout the debate, with Labour and Conservative members reacting angrily to each other’s criticisms.