Ukip MEP David Coburn has said the House of Commons needs MPs from his party to ensure the Prime Minister "walks the plank" on Brexit.

Mr Coburn also claimed if Scotland became an independent member of the EU it would be forced to have "austerity max" and that only his party would ensure Scottish fishing grounds return to the country in Brexit negotiations.

He said: "Without a strong Ukip presence in the House of Commons, to keep a cutlass in the small of Mrs May's back to ensure she walks the plank on Brexit, the Conservatives may renege or backtrack on their promises.

"The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded the economic growth forecast for the UK twice since last October: Brexit is giving us an opportunity to have massive economic growth and extra job creation in Scotland. Clearly: Brexit is not the problem, the SNP are.

He added: "If Scotland was in the EU on its own - as Sturgeon wants - we would be in a worse economic state than Greece and we would be forced to have 'austerity max' by the EU.

"The Scottish budget deficit has exploded to £15 billion during this SNP government. We cannot go on like this. What Scotland needs is a party able to get things done.

"Myself and my team of Ukipers all around Scotland are putting together a Scottish manifesto for a strong Scotland in a strong UK.

"In this manifesto, we will explain why Brexit is good for farming, industry, fishing, trade and jobs.

"Only Ukip can deliver more jobs, reasonable taxes and a social healthcare system that is sustainable and of high quality.

"We must exit the European Union in order to control open door unlimited EU migration which is putting impossible strains on our health service, schools and housing.

"We need a strong Ukip presence to make sure the Conservatives follow through with Brexit, otherwise they will sit on their hands and will not fight for the best possible deal for the UK, and Scotland in particular."

A party spokesman said Ukip plans to stand as many general election candidates as possible in Scotland and will decide on numbers following the local government elections on May 4.