Newly-elected MP Lara Bird accused of faking accent after oath allegiance row

Newly-elected SNP MP Lara Bird is facing accusations of faking a Scottish accent.

The controversy follows her recent appearance where she seemingly crossed her fingers whilst swearing allegiance to King Charles.

Video footage from January has emerged showing Ms Bird, who is half-Scottish and half-English, speaking with an English accent.

Ms Bird explained that she likely picked up an accent while studying in Sheffield and living in London, and due to her English family background.

Scottish Tories deputy leader Rachael Hamilton suggested the accent change could be a reaction to anti-English sentiment within the SNP.