Stirling SNP has said it does not condone a ‘Tory Scum Out’ banner which recently appeared at a demo during former PM Theresa May’s visit to the city days before her departure from office.
They were responding to a letter by Stirling Conservative MP Stephen Kerr – who had branded the banner “bigoted and hateful” – in a letter to his opponents.
Mr Kerr said in the letter, which was sent to Bruce Crawford MSP and Stirling councillors: ‘There has been too much invective in our national debate and too many vituperative statements. The continued appearance of this bigoted and hateful banner is reflective of this trend.
‘We owe it to our constituents to have a great debate exploring issues and discussing Scottish affairs rather than hurling insults at each other.
‘I would be interested to know what you personally and your party plan to do to improve the nature of the conversation we are having.’
In a response to Mr Kerr dated earlier this month, Stirling Constituency SNP convener Roddy Gallacher said: ‘Many thanks for taking the time to write to local elected SNP representatives on the matter of a ‘Tory Scum Out’ banner which I understand made an appearance at a recent demonstration in Stirling.
‘As you are perfectly aware, this is not an SNP banner, nor does the SNP condone the negative tone of it.
‘Ours is a society that gives each citizen a right to freedom of speech and expression, regardless as to whether or not we agree with how others may conduct themselves, and providing that their actions are within the law.’
Mr Kerr however this week described that response as ‘weak’.
He added: “I expect all elected representatives from all parties to condemn the use of such inflammatory language. By failing to reply individually and by signing up to the evasive response sent they have let themselves and their party down very badly.”
