SNP: 6 Ways Scottish Nationalist MPs Are Defying Westminster Traditions

The SNP Are Proudly Trashing The Westminster Establishment - And Having Fun Doing It
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond gives the thumbs up as he arrives at the Prestonfield Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, on May 6, 2011. Scotland moved closer to a vote on independence after the party of nationalist First Minister Alex Salmond secured a historic majority Friday in elections for the Edinburgh parliament. AFP PHOTO/Jonathan Mitchell (Photo credit should read Jonathan Mitchell/AFP/Getty Images)
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond gives the thumbs up as he arrives at the Prestonfield Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, on May 6, 2011. Scotland moved closer to a vote on independence after the party of nationalist First Minister Alex Salmond secured a historic majority Friday in elections for the Edinburgh parliament. AFP PHOTO/Jonathan Mitchell (Photo credit should read Jonathan Mitchell/AFP/Getty Images)
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There's been no shortage of political stirs caused by new Scottish nationalist MPs, who seem far more preoccupied with getting stuck in, debating legislation and representing constituents, than abiding by the House of Commons' dated cultures, customs and procedures.

In a series of upsets that have shaken Westminster, SNP MPs are laying bare the musty practices of Parliament and exposing snobbery on the part of some of of their colleagues and the media, for doing things that to them - and indeed most other people - seem perfectly reasonable.

In the latest controversy, a furious Speaker rebuked SNP MPs for actually clapping in the House of Commons.

"Can I say at the start of the parliament that the convention that we don’t clap in this chamber is very, very, very long-established and widely-respected and it would be appreciated if members showed some respect for that convention,” John Bercow said bitterly.

Not letting the Speaker have the final word, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, Gavin Newlands, later tweeted: "The speaker has asked us to respect convention & not applaud agreeable comments. Apparently we must bray 'hear hear' like it's 18th century!".

But there are plenty of other examples where SNP MPs are defying, similar "eighteenth century" traditions.

Causing a kerfuffle: Clapping in the chamber

SNP cause a stir at Westminster

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