THE SNP’s depute leader has had his challenge for a public debate with Jackson Carlaw accepted.

Keith Brown appeared alongside the Scottish Tory deputy leader on yesterday’s edition of Scotland Tonight to discuss the Referendums (Scotland) Bill which was published yesterday.

Towards the end of their appearance on the STV current affairs programme, Carlaw accused the Scottish Government of neglecting other policy areas in favour of pursuing independence, pointing specifically to education.

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Brown responded that he challenged Carlaw “to debate this issue two months ago and he ran away from it”.

“I challenge him again tonight, if you have the confidence in your own arguments will you accept my challenge to have a public debate on this issue?” added Brown.

“As one deputy to another,” Carlaw responded, “I am more than happy to debate him and murder him on the issue.”

Watch the exchange below: