Scottish National Party (SNP) MSP John Mason has reiterated his support for his recent comments about Israel, despite being suspended from the party’s Holyrood group. Mason had stated that there was “no genocide” in Gaza, sparking widespread criticism.
In an interview with BBC Good Morning Scotland, Mason said, “I completely stand by the tweet… This is not genocide. When we look at other examples of genocide, historically, it’s nothing like what’s happening in Gaza.”
Mason’s comments were in response to criticism within the SNP of a meeting between External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson and Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK, Daniela Grudsky. The SNP’s Dalkeith branch has lodged a motion to the party conference calling for Robertson to be suspended from cabinet for bringing the party into disrepute.
Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee condemned Mason’s comments as “offensive, inaccurate, and not in line with SNP values.” McKee emphasized the need for Mason to “educate himself” on the United Nations definition of genocide.
Mason, who represents Glasgow Shettleston, maintained that his comments were intended to promote peace and dialogue. “We’re not going to get any solution to this unless people actually talk to each other,” he said.
The situation has sparked a heated debate within the SNP, with some members calling for further clarity on the party’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The party is set to discuss a potential fixed suspension for Mason when parliament reconvenes next month.