Tom Arthur MSP condemns father's 'offensive' swastika post

9 April 2024, 13:07 | Updated: 9 April 2024, 15:22

A Scottish government minister has condemned a social media post made by his father which depicted the Star of David linked with a swastika.

Public finance minister Tom Arthur said the post fell "far short" of his stance against discrimination.

Police Scotland said it had received a complaint which is now being investigated as a "communications offence".

The post was shared by the Renfrewshire South MSP's father - also known as Tom Arthur - on April 1, the same day the controversial Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act came into effect.

Writing on X, Mr Arthur said: "As an SNP MSP, I stand against discrimination of any kind. The online post shared by a family member falls far short of that position and I condemn the views expressed.

"Six months on from Hamas's barbaric terrorist attack which claimed the lives of more than 1,000 innocent civilians, I will continue to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and for a permanent two state solution to pave the way towards peace."

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The SNP said disciplinary action would have been taken had Mr Arthur Snr not resigned his party membership.

An SNP spokesperson said: "The SNP stands firmly against antisemitism.

"The social media post is unacceptable and would have been subject to disciplinary investigation had the individual concerned not resigned their party membership with immediate effect."

(c) Sky News 2024: Tom Arthur MSP condemns father's 'offensive' swastika post