Alex Salmond ‘belongs in 19th century’

British government minister Anna Soubry has hit back at Alex Salmond after a Commons clash in which he told her to “behave yourself, woman”.

Ms Soubry said the former Scotland first minister’s comments showed a “19th century attitude” to women, claiming he believed they should be “seen not heard”.

Mr Salmond had accused the business minister of “demented” behaviour as she barracked him during a heated Commons debate.

After it was suggested he should move on with his speech instead of detailing upcoming appointments to parliament’s various select committees, Mr Salmond said government ministers should behave better.

Referring to Ms Soubry, Mr Salmond said: “She should be setting an example to her new members, not cavorting about like some demented junior minister. Behave yourself, woman.”

Following the exchange in the Commons, Ms Soubry responded on Twitter.

She said: “Alex Salmond seems to think women should be seen not heard. His attitude belongs firmly in the 19th century.

“Salmond can dish it out but he can’t take it!”

It is not the first time the pair, both known for their forthright styles, have clashed.

Sharing a sofa on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show in March Ms Soubry claimed the possibility of the senior SNP MP playing a role in government was “absolutely terrifying”.