SNP Expels MSP John Mason Over Controversial Gaza Comments Amid Diplomatic Tensions

John Mason has lost his SNP whip due to his highly controversial remarks about Gaza

Mr. Mason has been ousted from the SNP following his post on X stating, "If Israel intended to commit genocide, the death toll would have been ten times higher."

Scotland correspondent @Jenster13

Sunday, August 18, 2024, 12:

John Mason, an SNP MSP, has been removed from his party's whip due to a highly offensive social media statement concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Mr. Mason has been ousted from his political party following his post on X stating, "If Israel intended to carry out genocide, the death toll would have been ten times higher."

The Member of Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Shettleston was embroiled in controversy following remarks made during a dispute about a session with Daniela Grudsky, Israel's Deputy Ambassador to the UK.

Earlier this week, Ms. Grudsky shared a photo on X featuring Angus Robertson, the Scottish Secretary for External Affairs.

Last week's meeting drew negative reactions, as Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer criticized the Scottish government for what he described as a hypocritical stance. He argued that the government was outwardly criticizing Israel's actions but simultaneously holding covert discussions.

First Minister John Swinney described the meeting as "essential," enabling his administration to expressly advocate for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza.

On Thursday, Mr. Mason posted a photo of himself alongside Ms. Grudsky.

He shared on X: "Delighted to have Angus Robertson engage with Israeli deputy ambassador Daniela Grudsky.

"I had the opportunity to meet with her last week as well. We had a productive conversation regarding Israel's objectives in Gaza."

"Drawing from the UK's experience in Ireland, achieving peace requires dialogue, even with those whose views differ from our own."

Reacting to his message, ex-SNP MSP Sandra White commented: "It's clear what the Israelis aim to accomplish; they are already perpetrating genocide in Gaza."

She continued, saying "innocent children are being slaughtered," and then declared, "You disgust me, John. The SNP should renounce you just like I have."

In his reply, Mr. Mason authored the post that resulted in him being stripped of the party whip.

Israel has firmly rejected claims of committing genocide.

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Explore further: Hamas dismisses Biden's positive outlook on potential ceasefire agreement. Inside a West Bank village under attack by Israeli settlers.

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In a declaration, Mr. Mason expressed that his foremost goal is peace, emphasizing the UK's role in promoting dialogue and negotiations among all parties involved.

He stated: "Numerous lives have been forfeited in Israel, Gaza, and elsewhere, and as I mentioned during my parliamentary speech, there is a prevailing sentiment that Israel has transitioned from defending itself to pursuing retribution.

"Nevertheless, it is my personal conviction that Israel has neither attempted nor carried out, nor is it carrying out any acts of genocide."

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The removal of the whip requires Mr. Mason to serve as an independent MSP until it is reinstated.

An SNP representative stated: "Casually disregarding the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians is utterly inexcusable. Such insensitivity cannot be tolerated within the SNP.

"The chief whip has today suspended John Mason MSP from the parliamentary group, effective immediately, until the internal review process is complete."

The spokesperson also mentioned that the SNP group plans to convene to address the issue, proposing that John Mason's whip be temporarily suspended due to his completely unacceptable remark.

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