The Scottish National Party (SNP) has taken action against John Mason, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Glasgow Shettleston, following a controversial social media comment regarding the conflict in Gaza. The party decided to withdraw the whip from Mason after what was described as a ‘flippant’ and ‘utterly abhorrent’ statement made by him on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The controversy arose after Mason responded to a Herald story about a meeting with Israel’s deputy ambassador Daniela Grudsky in Edinburgh. Both Mason and Angus Robertson, another SNP member, faced criticism for meeting with the deputy ambassador, as the party has consistently called for a ceasefire in the occupied Gaza Strip.
In the wake of the attacks on October 7, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians. This led to South Africa filing a charge of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Despite concerns about potential breaches of the United Nations genocide convention, Mason’s comment downplaying the severity of the situation sparked outrage.
Mason’s tweet, which stated, “If Israel wanted to commit genocide, they would have killed ten times as many,” was met with widespread condemnation. Ian Blackford, the former Westminster leader, criticized Mason, saying he was not fit for public office and should resign. David Birkett, an SNP organiser, expressed disappointment in Mason’s comment, stating that it was thoughtless and offensive.
The SNP swiftly responded to the backlash, announcing the withdrawal of the whip from Mason with immediate effect. A spokesperson for the party’s chief whip emphasized that such intolerance and dismissive attitudes towards the loss of Palestinian lives could not be tolerated within the SNP. The party initiated internal processes to address the issue and recommended a suspension of Mason’s whip for a fixed period.
Several SNP members, including James Dornan and David Birkett, voiced their disapproval of Mason’s comment, highlighting the divisive nature of his statement. The incident also prompted criticism from SNP Friends of Palestine, urging the party to apologize and ensure that such interactions with Israel do not occur again, given the ongoing conflict and human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank.
Subheadings:
SNP Takes Action Against John Mason
Widespread Condemnation of Mason’s Comment
Call for Accountability and Reconciliation
The fallout from Mason’s controversial comment underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding international conflicts and the role of political representatives in addressing such issues. It serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible communication and diplomacy in navigating delicate geopolitical landscapes.
