Members of the Scottish Parliament have been stopped from discussing the EU in case it influences voters.

In guidance sent to MSPs, the politicians were warned Holyrood's presiding officer would intervene if their "contribution could be considered to be an attempt to influence the voters in the referendum or could give rise to the perception that the proceedings were not fair or impartial as regards the referendum".

Whatever is said in the debating chamber is transcribed and published by in the Scottish Parliament's official report.

Public bodies, such as the Parliament, are banned from publishing information which may persuade voters due to 'purdah' rules.

The guidance stated MSPs are only allowed to talk about issues which "relating to the implementation of existing EU rights and obligations".

The First Minister said she was "not able" to list her reasons for supporting the EU's social rights at First Minister's Questions.

The ban ensures taxpayer's money is not used to further one side of the referendum over the other.

The guidance also warned MSPs parliamentary "clerks will consider motions and questions for compliance with the statutory prohibition during the referendum period".

If the question or motion was found to be in breach of the guidance the MSP would not be allowed to put forward the point.

However, MPs at Westminster are able to freely discuss the merits of the referendum as they have "parliamentary privilege" which enables them to discuss any topic.