Swinney urged to block Green leader from SNP conference

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 20:08 · Archive

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has called on SNP leader John Swinney to prevent Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay from speaking at the SNP conference in Aberdeen this weekend.

Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative leader, has called on SNP leader John Swinney to block Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay from speaking at the SNP conference in Aberdeen this weekend. Findlay accused the Greens of 'ugly antisemitism'.

The call follows Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer backing a motion passed by the English and Welsh Green Party which described Zionism as a form of racism. Greer also described the creation of Israel as 'an act of racism'. Green MSP Ariane Burgess faced criticism for 'liking' a social media post depicting the Israeli flag with a swastika covered in blood, though she later said it was an 'error'.

Findlay said Swinney had 'a simple choice' to either legitimise the Greens' antisemitism by welcoming them to conference or distance himself from them. 'Swinney says he respects Scotland's Jewish community. If so, then he won't give his Green friends a platform,' Findlay said. A former SNP Cabinet minister has also urged Swinney to be more explicit in making clear that the SNP opposes the Greens' position.

How it is being reported

• John Swinney under pressure to BAN Greens from SNP conference over 'Zionism is racism' rowJohn Swinney is under growing pressure to ban the Greens from the SNP's conference and unreservedly condemn the party's position that 'Zionism is racism'.Daily Mail · 12 Oct, 19:52
• Swinney must block Greens from SNP conference over ‘ugly antisemitism’ – FindlayScottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay is set to speak at the SNP conference in Aberdeen this weekend.Evening Standard · 12 Oct, 13:25

In this story: John Swinney · Russell Findlay · Gillian Mackay · Ross Greer · Ariane Burgess · Scottish National Party · Scottish Greens · Aberdeen

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