John Mason Stripped of SNP Party Whip Over Gaza Remarks

John Mason, a Glasgow Shettleston MSP, has been stripped of the SNP party whip over controversial remarks on Gaza. His suspension followed after stating Israel’s actions did not amount to genocide. The SNP criticized his comments, emphasizing the death of more than 40,000 Palestinians as unacceptable. This issue arose after a meeting between SNP's Angus Robertson and Israel’s Deputy Ambassador Daniela Grudsky, causing internal backlash due to the party’s stance on Israel.

John Mason, the MSP for Glasgow Shettleston since 2011, has been stripped of the SNP party whip after 'completely unacceptable' social media posts regarding the Gaza conflict.

The decision follows a photo of External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson with Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK, Daniela Grudsky, which caused internal backlash due to the party's critical stance on Israel.

Mason expressed disappointment over his suspension, which came after he stated that Israel’s actions in Gaza did not constitute 'genocide.' A spokesperson for the SNP Chief Whip condemned Mason's comments, citing the death toll of over 40,000 Palestinians as 'completely unacceptable.' The SNP group will discuss a recommended fixed period suspension.

Mason is now an independent MSP. First Minister John Swinney defended Robertson's meeting with Grudsky, reflecting the Scottish government’s call for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Despite internal disagreements, Swinney emphasized conveying the government’s consistent position on the conflict.

The situation escalated following an Israeli military campaign in Gaza launched in response to a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, resulting in significant casualties.