Scotland’s Health Secretary has defended himself over Tory criticisms for taking his 12 year old step-daughter on a Harry Potter studio tour in England.
The Sun reported this morning that Humza Yousaf took his young family member on a pre-planned tour of the Warner Brothers studios — where Harry Potter was filmed.
However, the Scottish Tories claimed Yousaf had “disappeared” amid a covid case surge.
Taking to Twitter, Yousaf hit back: “Don't usually comment on stories about me, but I'll make an exception.
“Most important job I have is being a good father, step-father & husband to my wife & kids. In the last 7 months they've had virtually no time from me.
“Pandemic has been tough for everyone & I am luckier than most but it has been tough for my 12yr old step-daughter who missed her friends during her p7 year. As a treat, I promised this Harry Potter fan a trip to HP Studios months ago (if restrictions allowed) when school finished.
“Every day I have taken "off" I have worked. Speaking to Clinicians, vaccines & testing teams, clearing submissions etc.
“My family don't see me much at all, and while they understand why, it is difficult for us all, so I wont apologise for giving them the v limited time I do.”
On the Tory “outrage”, he also revealed that the party’s shadow public health minister Sandesh Gulhane had been at HP “at the same time”.
He tweeted: “We bumped into each other & said hello. So I can only assume it's ScotGovt Ministers who aren't allowed to spend time with family?”
MSP Stephen Kerr, the Scottish Tory chief whip, wrote: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going- to Harry Potter World. Unbelievable and terrible judgement from the Cab. sec for Health.
“I imagine Mr. Yousaf will be hearing a few unforgivable curses when he returns to his colleagues in Holyrood.”
