SNP MPs reject 'bizarre Tory smear campaign' over conduct on Gibraltar trip

Two SNP MPs have rejected allegations of poor behaviour on a trip to visit troops in Gibraltar.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is expected to write to Labour and the SNP amid reports MPs drank heavily on the flight. 

Wallace said the alleged conduct "risks undermining respect for Parliament".

Both SNP MPs, Drew Hendry and David Linden, have rejected the claims. A female Labour MP, who has not been named, was also reported to be involved.

Writing on Twitter, Hendry said the "false claims" were a "shameless attempt to divert attention from the Tory corruption scandal engulfing Westminster".

Linden tweeted: "Incredibly disappointed by what appears to be a bizarre Tory smear campaign in the media tonight but I'll leave the politics to others."

A group of 15 MPs were visiting troops in Gibraltar this week as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, which aims to give members of Parliament an insight into military life.

A witness told the BBC the three MPs in question drank in the airport lounge before departure then drank heavily on the flight.