SCOTTISH fishermen are being used as “pawns” by Theresa May in her Brexit negotiations, MPs have heard.

The Prime Minister made reference to Spanish fishermen during her keynote speech on Brexit as she claimed EU leaders would not wish to make them and others from the continent poorer by having barriers to trading with the UK.

Speaking during an SNP-led debate on the effect on the rural economy of leaving the EU, Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) said: “That suggests fishing is already in play in these negotiations.”

Addressing Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom, Whiteford added: “So can you clarify what the Prime Minister is offering Spanish fishermen and why are our fishermen being used as pawns in this process already?”

Leadsom replied: “I can assure you that we are not entering into any negotiations, as you will appreciate, until we’ve triggered Article 50.

“We are, however, consulting very widely with our colleagues in the devolved administrations and any negotiating positions will be discussed with them.So I don’t think you need to worry about that.”

The SNP tabled a motion noting concerns at the possible impact on the rural economy of the Government’s “aim” for the UK to leave the EU.

The party asked ministers to make a “clear statement” on plans for the rural economy in negotiations, stating this should emerge before the formal process of EU withdrawal begins – expected no later than March 31. The Government tabled an amendment to the motion which, among other things, claimed Brexit will offer an opportunity to improve the management of fisheries in UK waters and “champion sustainable fishing”.

It also said the UK Government wants a deal “that works for all parts of the UK”.

SNP environment and rural affairs spokesman Calum Kerr, leading the debate, said the benefits of EU membership to the Scottish rural economy – via funding, trade and freedom of movement – must be acknowledged.

He added: “The Government must offer a clear statement prior to triggering Article 50 on how it intends to mitigate the impact of leaving the EU when it comes to rural areas.”“They must do so now because the combined threat of the loss of direct funding, an end to tariff-free trading and the abolition of free movement of people could have devastating consequences for rural communities across Scotland, and indeed the rest of the UK.”