SNP claims that the British government’s blocking of Chinese wind turbine factory investment is “anti-Scottish” were dismissed as “crankery” by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar today.

Citing security concerns, the Labour government stepped in last month to prevent Chinese firm Ming Yang ploughing more than £1.5 billion into a manufacturing site in Ardersier, north of Inverness.

The decision has proven controversial while Chinese investment in energy infrastructure elsewhere in Britain — such as Hinkley Point nuclear plant — has gone ahead.

First Minister John Swinney branded the blocking “anti-Scottish” during Sunday’s leadership debate.

Dismissing the claim as a “pretty strange conspiracy theory,” Mr Sarwar told BBC Radio Scotland: “I will not do crankery or conspiracy theory as first minister.

“A national security briefing was received that said there was a national security risk for investment.

“Are we honestly saying that a First Minister would reject national security advice?”

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Swinney said: “What I want to understand from the UK government is why on Earth they’ve taken the decision that’s been taken?

“Because there’s been no transparent explanation to me.”