MSPs failed to hold in their laughter as the SNP's Willie Coffey stood up to introduce a debate in the Scottish parliament on Tuesday – but prematurely gave his closing remarks.

The MSP for Kilmarnock and Irvine valley made the closing remarks to a debate which was yet to start before being stopped by Liam McArthur, the deputy presiding officer.

The debate was already off to a rocky start when McArthur called upon Coffey after pointing out the “unexplained absence of the convener”, Scottish Greens MSP Ariane Burgess.

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Coffey opened his closing remarks saying: "Thank you, Presiding Officer. I thought that I was closing the debate, so this is a closing speech, as I am sure members will soon hear.”

Coffey continued: “From my perspective, the debate has been immensely constructive, and I hope that it has been helpful in shaping the final version of NPF4, and a planning system and culture well-suited to delivering on its ambitions.

“Before reflecting on some of the contributions to this afternoon’s debate, which I am about to hear-”

Laughter was heard in Holyrood at this point in Coffey’s remarks.

The SNP MSP was eventually stopped by the deputy presiding officer, who said: “I will pause you there.

“This is not a reflection on your remarks, but I do not think that this is reflecting particularly well on the chamber, so I will suspend business for a brief period until we can establish where the convener is and we can recommence the debate.”

The debate continued shortly after once Burgess arrived.

The presiding officer called Burgess delay a “discourtesy to the chamber” and she apologised.

After the debate Coffey said he was “pleased – finally – to be closing what is an important debate, on behalf of our committee".

The incident, which happened a little before 3pm, has been removed from videos of the Holyrood chamber which are posted on the Scottish parliament website.