SNP councillors suspended for burning Smith report
Four SNP councillors filmed setting fire to a copy of the Smith Commission report on new powers for Scotland are suspended from the party for two months.
Their punishment was described as a “feeble slap on the wrist” by Labour.
A video posted on YouTube (see above) in December shows former Renfrewshire council leader Brian Lawson and councillors Will Mylet and Mags MacLaren with copies of the report on further devolution for the Scottish parliament.
As they set fire to a copy above a bin, Mr Mylet says: “The Smith Commission report – this is exactly what we think about it. No real powers for Scotland yet again from Westminster. We’ve been lied to again. There you go Gordon Brown – cheers.”
The original video was taken down, but has been reposted by others.
Kenny MacLaren, a councillor and researcher for SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, was also said to be involved, although he is not seen in the video clip.
SNP National Secretary Patrick Grady said: “Following a disciplinary hearing at the end of December, the individuals concerned have been suspended from the party for two months until 3 February.
“It has been made clear to all that their actions fell far short of the high standard of debate expected by both public and party. All four accept that this is the case and their suspension has been the penalty for that.”
‘Pardon, not punishment’
But the Labour leader of Renfrewshire Council, Mark MacMillan, said the suspension was a “feeble slap on the wrist to party members who should have known much better”.
He added: “Burning the Smith Commission was a hugely symbolic gesture – for all the wrong reasons. For these members, their temporary break-up with the SNP will be forgotten by Valentine’s day. It’s not a punishment, it’s a pardon.”
Opposition leaders in Scotland had been demanding action from the SNP after the incident.
The SNP had two representatives on the Smith Commission, set up by the UK government after Scotland rejected independence in a referendum in September.
SNP leaders have said they believe the report does not go far enough, but have welcomed the new powers Scotland will gain as a result.
When the online video clip emerged, Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said: “My clear view is that setting fire to something because you don’t agree with it is not acceptable behaviour.”
