THE Scottish Greens have called for a review of the Holyrood code of conduct, saying there must be consequences for MSPs who spread disinformation and “fuel racist far-right gatherings” under the guise of “protests”.
The party’s MSP and former leader Patrick Harvie made the call to the convener of Holyrood’s standard committee after recent comments made by Reform MSPs amid anti-immigration protests in Glasgow which an investigation by The Sunday National has linked to a network of far-right groups.
Reform’s deputy leader in Scotland, Thomas Kerr, has come under particular fire of late after going on a "walkabout" in Glasgow and sharing a video claiming that the city is full of "disorder, intimidation, and neglect".
Kerr has also been condemned for agreeing to go on a "vigilante" street patrol organised by far-right anti-immigration group Scots Active, which advocates for "mass deportations" and arming Scots against "invaders".
He has also frequently used the word “strangers” to refer to people who have immigrated into Scotland and previously told the BBC that he would encourage people to "protest" the day after violent riots, saying: "Go out and protest. Go out and make your voice heard."
Now, Scottish Greens MSP Harvie has written to Jenni Minto, the convener of Holyrood’s standard committee, calling for the MSP code of conduct to be strengthened to address the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation by MSPs.
Harvie added that a “clear rule” must be established against behaviour intended to stir up community conflict, inflame tensions, or turn communities against one another.
The Green MSP said in the letter to Minto that while the call was in reaction to recent disorder in Glasgow, it is “relevant more generally” and “may become more urgent over time”.
But he added: “People have been targeted with harassment and violence on racial grounds, and organisations such as schools, housing associations and small businesses have been targeted for nothing more than teaching languages. Almost every day I hear from constituents who are afraid to go about their daily lives.”
In comments to The National, Harvie also said: “Some of this has been whipped up and fuelled by Reform MSPs in particular, who have recklessly fanned the flames of prejudice and, in some cases, directly encouraged people to join mobs that are inflicting fear and intimidation on communities.
“They have known exactly what they are doing and the impact that their words will have, but they clearly don’t care.”
He went on: “There must be consequences when elected representatives use their platforms to spread disinformation and encourage the kind of reckless and racist behaviour that puts communities at risk.
“Our Parliament should be setting the highest standards. MSPs should be bringing people together and working to ease tensions, not inflaming them and trying to turn communities against each other.
“The Code of Conduct must be fit for purpose in the face of the way misinformation can now be rapidly spread and used to stir up fear and division. Members of the Scottish Parliament should be held to a standard that reflects the responsibility that comes with public office.”
Reform UK have been approached for comment.
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