Scots MPs deny claims they were 'drunk' on recent foreign trip
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is writing to Ian Blackford to complain about their conduct while on an armed forces visit to Gibraltar.
Last updated 11th Nov 2021
Two SNP MPs have denied claims they were drunk on a recent foreign trip.
MP for Glasgow East David Linden and MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Drew Hendry have been accused of drinking heavily while on the way to a parliamentary armed forces visit.
A Labour MP is also said to have been drinking before and during a flight from Heathrow to Gibraltar on Tuesday.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is writing to complain to Ian Blackford and Keir Starmer about their conduct while on the visit.
But both Mr Hendry and Mr Linden say the allegations are false and "disappointing"
"Undermining respect for parliament".
According to newspaper reports, Mr Wallace is reported to have said: "This type of behaviour shows a lack of respect for the enduring work of our armed forces.
“The Armed forces scheme is an opportunity for both Parliamentarians and the Military to understand each other.
“This behaviour puts military personnel in a difficult position and risks undermining respect for Parliament.”
A senior defence source has confirmed Mr Wallace would be writing to both parties to record his disappointment.
Claims part of "bizarre Tory smear campaign"
While posting a picture of his visit on Twitter, MP David Linden said: "Incredibly disappointed by what appears to be a bizarre Tory smear campaign in the media tonight but I’ll leave the politics to others.
"Instead, I’ll continue to focus on participating in briefings with service personnel, meetings with local officials, as well as continuing to undertake training exercises and hear first hand from those who serve in the Armed Services here in Gibraltar."
Also posting a picture from the trip, MP Drew Hendry said: "It's deeply disappointing that Tory MPs have made false claims in a shameless attempt to divert attention from the Tory corruption scandal engulfing Westminster.
"That is a matter for their conscience.
"I'll focus on doing my job and respecting our troops as we mark Armistice Day."