Nicola Sturgeon is potentially leading the people of Scotland "over a cliff like lemmings to economic ruin" by calling for a second independence referendum, according to a Tory MP.

Richard Drax said the Scottish First Minister and her colleagues in the SNP are behaving "totally irresponsibly" by demanding a second poll.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Theresa May said it is important that the constituent parts of the United Kingdom "come together" ahead of Brexit negotiations.

Mr Drax, the MP for South Dorset, asked Mrs May during her statement in the Commons on her recent trip to the European Council: "Do you agree with me that it's of no greater importance today as a United Kingdom to stand together and for those calling for a second referendum are behaving totally irresponsibly and leading the people of Scotland potentially over a cliff like lemmings to economic ruin?"

Mr Drax, a vocal supporter of Brexit, was heckled as he spoke and a number of SNP MPs laughed at the apparent irony of a Leave supporter warning about cliff edges and the potential economic woes resulting from the break up of a union.

Mrs May replied: "You are right that as we start on the negotiations for the future relationship with the European Union, I believe it is important for us to do that as a United Kingdom, to come together, recognising the interests of all parts of the United Kingdom and ensuring that we get absolutely the right deal for the whole part of the United Kingdom."