SNP’s David Linden grilled over general election U-turn by BBC host in huge clash
SNP’s David Linden was savagely grilled by BBC presenter Nick Robinson after the MP refused to answer whether he would vote with Prime Minister Boris Johnson to trigger a general election.
Brexit: David Linden quizzed over SNP stance on general election
The SNP has been calling for a general election and a vote of no confidence against Boris Johnson in the run up to Brexit. But David Linden MP backtracked on the comments as he said they would not support a general election until Article 50 has been extended. Nick Robinson hit out at the MP for the political U-turn.
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Speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Linden said: “We will not be pushed around by Boris Johnson.
“Throughout this entire process the SNP has been able to take clear and consistent decisions based on what’s best for Scotland.
“We will not be pushed around by this Prime Minister.”
He went on to say the SNP will decide at the time whether or not to vote for a general election.
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Mr Robinson said: “We’re told you do want an election and you’ve goaded the Labour Party for not wanting an election.
“On the day in which this is an actual choice, you seem not to want to answer the question.
“So, is the SNP in favour of an election now or not?”
Mr Linden added: “We do want an election but we want to make sure that extension is in place.
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“We want to see a meaningful extension from the EU.
“We will take this on a case by case basis when this come towards Parliament.”
Mr Robinson interjected: “You sound a little less keen on an election than you did only 24 hours ago when you were seeing to embarrass the Labour Party.
“Why is it really difficult for you Mr Linden to come on air this morning and say, ‘let’s have this election’.”
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It comes as Mr Johnson secured a majority in the House of Commons on his Withdrawal Agreement Bill on Tuesday.
But just minutes later suffered a huge blow as MPs refused to back his accelerated timetabling plans to try to secure Brexit by October 31.
Following the result of the vote, the Prime Minister said he had no option but to put his Brexit legislation on hold, and that he would “speak with member states”.
On Tuesday evening, after the votes, the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, said he “will recommend the EU27 accept the UK request for an extension”.
