SNP MSP John Mason Defends Controversial Comments

John Mason, a suspended Scottish National Party (SNP) MSP, has defended his controversial tweet regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, claiming there is 'no genocide' occurring in Gaza. His remarks led to the SNP withdrawing the whip, with party officials labeling the comments as 'completely unacceptable'. Mason asserted that he stands by his tweet, arguing that if Israel intended to commit genocide, they would have caused far greater casualties. SNP Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee rebuked Mason's statements as offensive and inaccurate, emphasizing they do not align with the party's values. Mason's comments were made in response to a meeting between SNP External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson and an Israeli diplomat, which has also drawn criticism from within the party. Mason expressed a desire for Scotland and the UK to act as peacemakers rather than taking sides in the conflict.