A Conservative MP has been forced to apologise after he swore at a Scottish schoolgirl who said she would vote for an independent Scotland in a second referendum.

James Heappy, who is standing for re-election in Wells, Somerset, told the sixth-former to “f*** off” when she made the remark during a debate at Millfield school.

The girl reportedly told her father – who is believed to be an SNP supporter – what Mr Heappey had said and he contacted the school to complain.

View photos James Heappey said his comments were intended as a joke (Facebook) More

The former army major has now issued a grovelling apology, although he insisted that his comment was a “joke”.

He said in a statement: “I made a comment – intended only as a joke – but it was inappropriate and I am deeply sorry for any offence caused.

“I wrote to [the pupil] soon after the school brought her concerns to my attention and apologised unreservedly.”

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Mr Heappey, who made the comments in March before the General Election was called, denied telling the teenager to “f*** off back to Scotland”.

He is facing a tough battle to be re-elected MP for Wells, facing a challenge from former Lib Dem MP Tessa Munt, who said she was “shocked” by her opponents remarks.

She said: “School is meant to be a safe place.

View photos Lib Dem Tessa Munt is challenging Mr Heappey for his Wells seat (Rex) More

“We send our children to school in the expectation that they will be treated fairly and with respect by people in positions of power.

“I am utterly shocked that the then MP has used bullying, racist and abusive language to dismiss a teenage schoolgirl engaging in political debate.”

The SNP has now called for the Tories to suspend Mr Heappey, describing his comments as “disgraceful”.

SNP candidate for Glasgow North West, Carol Monaghan, told the Guardian: “For a candidate to make this kind of remark, especially to a schoolgirl, is absolutely disgraceful – and the Tories should suspend Mr Heappey as a candidate.

“Mr Heappey’s protests about it being a joke just don’t cut it. This sort of offensive and abusive language has no place in our politics.”

Top pic: Facebook