An SNP MSP who was stripped of the celebration whip following an “utterly abhorrent” social media put up in regards to the Israel-Hamas battle has mentioned he stands by his comment.
John Mason has been successfully expelled from the celebration after posting on X: “If Israel wanted to commit genocide, they would have killed ten times as many.”
The Glasgow Shettleston MSP made the remark amid a row over a gathering with Israel’s deputy ambassador to the UK, Daniela Grudsky.
Israel has strongly denied accusations of genocide.
Chatting with Sky Information, Mr Mason mentioned: “It’s never my intention to upset people, but I’m not afraid of upsetting people in the sense of if I think something important needs to be said.”
The politician mentioned he’d thought of the battle “over time” so it “wasn’t a new thought”.
He added: “It’s the point of, you know, if Israel actually wanted to commit genocide, it would be a lot worse than it is. I think it’s a valid point, and I stand by that.”
SNP MSPs will meet to debate a possible fastened suspension for Mr Mason when the Scottish parliament reconvenes subsequent month.
The withdrawal of the whip means he should sit as an impartial MSP till it’s restored.
The SNP branded the remark “utterly abhorrent”.
Mr Mason mentioned: “I’m dissatisfied as a result of I’m SNP to the core.
“I’ve been representing the party for 26 years or thereabouts, so yes, that’s always going to be disappointing. But it’s not the end of the world.”
Mr Mason mentioned “one or two” SNP colleagues had been in contact to supply help.
Mr Mason mentioned regardless of negativity aimed toward him on social media, his emails have been “overwhelmingly positive”.
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The incident with Mr Mason got here amid criticism over a Scottish authorities assembly with Israeli diplomat Ms Grudsky.
The assembly earlier this month got here to mild after Ms Grudsky posted an image on X with Exterior Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson.
First Minister John Swinney claimed it was “necessary” and allowed his authorities to straight put throughout the necessity for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.
Mr Mason additionally met with Ms Grudsky throughout her keep in Scotland and shared an image on-line which led to him writing the put up that has seen him lose the celebration whip.
Mr Mason mentioned he instructed Ms Grudsky that sooner or later Israel must resolve the battle.
He mentioned: “In any of these situations, the same is going to be true in Ukraine and Russia, eventually you have to sit down and talk.”
Mr Mason additionally defended Mr Robertson’s determination to satisfy Ms Grudsky.
He mentioned: “That’s Angus’ job, it’s his role. I think it’s absolutely right and he should meet other people.”
He added: “I would prefer Scotland, and the UK for that matter, to be really promoting peace, really speaking to both sides, really being a trusted friend.”
