A Labour MSP has protested against having to swear allegiance to the Queen as he was sworn in as the Scottish Parliament.

Neil Findlay made a statement before he took the affirmation that his allegiance was to his constituents.

The Lothians MSP declared he believed the people of Scotland were “citizens not subjects”.

However he took the affirmation, which all 129 MSPs must to take up their post.

He said he was aware that to “serve my constituents I must meet the legal requirements of taking the oath.”

Earlier this year Mr Findlay was heard shouting “liar” at First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during questions.

He was asked by the Presiding officer to withdraw the remark as it was “unparliamentary”

He agreed and instead he said he would like to replace it with “dishonest”.