Local MSP Brian Whittle has criticised some of his fellow MSPs for the language they’ve been using in debates.
The South Scotland MSP raised the issue with the Presiding Officer at Holyrood after a heated debate on the issue of drugs deaths. Following comments from two SNP MSPs that the Scottish Conservatives were putting people’s lives at risk through their opposition to the Scottish Government position, Brian called for a more measured and respectful approach.
SNP Minister for Parliamentary Business George Adam was rebuked by the Presiding Officer at the time for describing the Scottish Conservatives’ views as “a damned disgrace”.
Speaking in the Chamber, Whittle asked the Presiding Officer to determine whether parliamentary protocol had been breached in the language that had been used. Responding, Presiding Officer Alison Johnston reminded MSPs of the leadership role they hold and urged them to set a positive example to the public.
Brian Whittle MSP said “I believe in the importance of having a robust and serious debate about the issues in the chamber, but when I’m sitting in the chamber being told that by questioning or disagreeing with the Scottish Government I’m doing it to intentionally put people’s lives at risk, something has gone very wrong.
Debates should be powerful and the sometimes the contributions will be emotionally charged but we must also be willing to respect the views of all MSPs, even if we disagree with them.
It’s become worryingly routine in the parliament for some MSPs to dismiss the motives of anyone who disagrees. Political debate in Scotland can all too easily become toxic and every MSP has a responsibility to prevent that, not inflame it.
Parliament’s role is to scrutinise and challenge the Scottish Government. SNP Ministers and backbenchers should not be in the business of trying to deflect from that by using such hostile language.”
