British 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 of leaving the EU on the rural economy, Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) said: "That suggests fishing is already in play in these negotiations."

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

Ms 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."

Conservative former minister John Redwood earlier asked the Government to make publishing proposals for a British fishing industry a priority, nothing it would enable the country's fishermen to "catch more of our own fish and protect our fishing grounds for the future".

The SNP tabled a motion noting concerns at the possible impact upon the rural economy of the Government's "aim" for the UK to leave the EU.

It asked ministers to make a "clear statement" of their aims for the rural economy in negotiations, stating this should emerge before the formal process of EU withdrawal begins - expected to occur 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 they intend 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."

Ms Leadsom said Brexit will give the Government a chance to develop "bespoke" polices to the needs of this country's rural economy.

She also said: "The rural economy matters enormously. So while leaving the EU offers huge opportunities to the farming and fisheries sector, it is vital that we provide the industry with as much continuity and certainty as we can.

"That's why we've already provided reassurance to all farmers across the UK that they will receive the same level of financial support under Pillar 1 until 2020.

"And for rural development programmes, agri-environment schemes and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, we will guarantee projects that are signed before we leave the EU for their lifetime - even when this stretches beyond our departure from the EU."

Conservative former minister Dan Poulter said existing EU legislation makes it difficult to ensure "honest food labelling".

He said: "Some food that is sold in this country under EU regulations is not necessarily grown in Britain, it may well have been grown or farmed a long way overseas.

"This is a real opportunity, leaving the European Union, to have honest food labelling so we know British food is genuinely farmed, grown and produced in this country."

Ms Leadsom shared Mr Poulter's concerns, adding: "It's something we have improved on greatly through voluntary as well as through compulsory schemes for labelling and it's something we continue to look at - and you're right - particularly as we leave the EU."

Shadow environment secretary Rachael Maskell highlighted concerns about the need for seasonal workers to be able to travel to the UK and for the Government to have an industry-wide strategy to help every farmer.

She said: "Many of the issues raised today are long standing and cannot be blamed on the EU alone but in saying that the turmoil now created by uncertainty by the Government is escalating risk for the sector."

Meanwhile, Tory Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) attacked "evil individuals" working in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

He said: "Already the Government has indicated that it's keen to cut back on ridiculous levels of EU bureaucracy.

"But we must be aware that within Defra there are evil individuals who are still rolling out hideous regulation by increasing the area suppressed by nitrate vulnerable zones which are EU regulations.

"They are the nastiest and most ridiculous rules and need to be frozen or rolled back but instead they are being increased which is beyond scandalous.

"These civil servants who have recommended these roll outs should be sacked and if that involves getting in touch with the Prime Minister to ensure that it's done then so be it because it is absolutely against the will of the people and the Government."