The National:

THERE has been much fuss in certain circles as the SNP revealed they would not be clapping Theresa May after her final Prime Minister's Questions.

It's "childish behaviour" and "a petty stunt", according to Scottish Tory MP John Lamont. He added: “Regardless of your political views, you should be able to set them aside and acknowledge the service given by an outgoing Prime Minister."

Set aside Windrush, set aside Grenfell, set aside Universal Credit, set aside the rape clause, set aside deporting LGBT people to countries where they face death, set aside the hostile environment, set aside sidelining Scotland on Brexit... the list goes on.

Are the SNP shamefully denying convention here, though? Is it a long-standing tradition to applaud the outgoing PM?

No, it isn't. In fact, it has happened only two times in the history of the House of Commons.

Applause is not allowed in Chamber. In fact, Speaker John Bercow, in 2015, reprimanded the SNP for clapping MP Angus Robertson during a debate on the Queen's Speech.

(Though he allowed a round of applause for an MP who criticised Michael Gove for plotting to oust Bercow as Speaker, curiously...).

Applause are seen as disrupting proceedings, and there are fears that if allowed, proceedings would turn into a contest of whose speeches received the longest ovations.

Instead, MPs opt for "Hear, hear!" to show their support. But there have been instances of applause.

The first standing ovation in the House of Commons was for Tony Blair, at his final Prime Minister's Questions. That was in 2007 – only 12 years ago.

Perhaps wanting to return the favour, or perhaps, as is easily done, confusing him with Tony Blair, David Cameron received the same treatment from MPs in his final appearance in 2016.

So, this isn't one of those ridiculous, long-standing, archaic Westminster quirks – it's happened twice, with the first time being in 2007.

The SNP's Westminster group depute leader has explained why they won't be joining in with the applause for May.

Kirsty Blackman told the Sunday National: “Theresa May’s shameful legacy in government has left millions of people poorer and worse off.

“Mrs May is leaving the UK in a Brexit crisis of her own making. Throughout her time in office she pandered to the extreme wings of the Tories and the DUP, while ignoring Scotland and refusing to build any consensus across the parliaments and nations of the UK.

“While she once claimed she would tackle burning injustices – in reality, she has only created them.

“After almost a decade of damaging Tory governments, it is no wonder that support for independence is growing in Scotland – with a majority supporting a referendum.

“With Boris Johnson about to become prime minister, it is clearer than ever that Westminster is failing Scotland – and the only way to properly protect our interests is by becoming an equal and independent European country.”

We'll leave the last word to Mhairi Black...