A SPEECH from an SNP MEP begging the European Parliament not to "let Scotland down" has received a standing ovation.

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Alyn Smith was speaking in an emergency debate in Brussels called following Britain's vote to leave the European Union last week. 

Mr Smith asked his European colleagues to respect the will of Scotland, where 62 per cent of the electorate voted to remain in the EU, and won applause from the chamber when he described himself as "proudly Scottish and proudly European".

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He added: "And the people of Scotland, along with the people of Northern Ireland and the people of London, and lots and lots of people in Wales and England also, voted to remain within our family of nations.

The Herald:

"I demand that that status and that esprit European be respected.

"But colleagues, there are a lot of things to be negotiated. We will need cool heads and warm hearts. But please, remember this: Scotland, did not let you down.

"Please, I beg you, chers collègues, do not let Scotland down now."

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Nigel Farage did not join in the standing ovation that followed his speech.