Indy name of the father

AN EMPLOYMENT tribunal has likened support for Scottish independence to a religious belief – saying it is illegal to discriminate against people because of it.

After a preliminary hearing, Judge Frances Eccles was persuaded SNP councillor Chris McEleny’s backing for independence “has a sufficiently similar cogency to a religious belief... to qualify as a philosophical belief”.

It could therefore be relied upon as a “protected characteristic” for claiming discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

The judgment in the case involving McEleney, the party’s group leader on Inverclyde Council, has established believing in the break-up of the UK is “protected” under equality laws. McEleny claims he was unfairly dismissed by the Ministry of Defence.

McEleny’s case centres on his treatment by the MoD when he announced his candidacy for the SNP depute leadership role in 2016.

He says that around the time of the leadership hustings, he was told his security clearance had been revoked and he was suspended.

McEleny claims he was interviewed by officials on issues including his pro-independence views. He quit claiming he was unfairly targeted.

The MoD said: “It would be inappropriate to comment.” The case will now go to a full hearing.