MSP has SNP Whip Removed After Controversial Gaza Comments
Mason faced backlash for his response to criticism of Scottish External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson’s meeting with Israel’s deputy ambassador Daniela Grudsky.
The SNP has removed party whip from MSP John Mason following controversial comments made on social media regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Party officials confirmed the removal of the whip with immediate effect after Mason’s remarks on social media. This action was taken in response to concerns raised over Mason’s meeting with the Israeli ambassador.
Mason’s comments, including “If Israel wanted to commit genocide, they would have killed ten times as many.” generated outrage within his party, especially in light of former SNP MSP Sandra White’s statement accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
The party spokesperson stated, “To flippantly dismiss the death of more than 40,000 Palestinians is completely unacceptable. There can be no room in the SNP for this kind of intolerance.”
The SNP group is set to discuss the matter further and is likely to recommend the suspension of John Mason’s party whip for a fixed period due to his controversial comment.
Former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford condemned Mason’s remarks, calling them disgraceful and stating that Mason is unfit for public office.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney defended Robertson’s meeting with Grudsky, stating it was necessary to convey the Scottish Government’s stance on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
These developments come after Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer accused the Scottish Government of contradicting its public denouncement of Israel’s actions by engaging in secret meetings.
