Epping MP Eleanor Laing has spoken out against Scottish independence.

The Deputy Speaker in the House of Commons, who is from Paisley, described the referendum as a battle between the “head and heart” for Scottish people.

She said: “My first thought is for the people I represent in Epping Forest who benefit from being at the very hub of the successful United Kingdom.

“The worrying thing is that there are two sides, there is the heart and there is the head.

“As far as the head is concerned there is no doubt whatsoever in the minds of the vast majority of Scottish people and throughout the United Kingdom that we are better together.

“Sometimes people let their heart rule their head they think if they love their country that they should support independence, but that is nonsense.

“If you love your country, you do what is best for your country.”

Mrs Laing unsuccessfully attempted to ensure that Scottish people living elsewhere in the UK could have a vote in the referendum.

She said: “I know that people concerned about the vote include the Epping Forest Scottish Association, which is a wonderful society.

“I know that a lot of them feel that they want to have a say in the referendum.

“It is one of the most successful political and economic unions in the world. It is terrific having rivalry at rugby and football but that is friendly rivalry.”

The referendum on independence will take place on September 18 and only people living in Scotland at the time will be able to vote.