SNP candidate’s ‘Hitler’ tweet branded disgrace by anti-Semitism group

A TWEET from an SNP candidate for Holyrood comparing the actions of Theresa May in rejecting an independence referendum to the actions of Adolf Hitler has been described as “disgraceful” by antiSemitism campaigners.

Stephanie Callaghan is currently standing to be the MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill, replacing the retiring Richard Lyle, and is sixth on the party’s regional list.

In 2017, Ms Callaghan tweeted about the decision of then prime minister Mrs May to refuse an independence referendum.

First reported in the Scottish Sun, the now deleted tweet said: “Tory propaganda provides a window into future plans: stamp on democracy. Hitler did same: set scene 4 Jewish Holocaust to lower opposition.”

The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said: “There is no comparison between political tensions in the UK today and Nazi Germany’s systematic destruction of democracy and murder of six million Jewish men, women and children.

“Politicians must set an example by learning the lessons of the Holocaust – not diminishing the memory of those innocents who were slaughtered by using the Holocaust to score political points.

“To make such a comparison is disgraceful and wounding, showing incredible ignorance.”

Ms Callaghan apologised “unreservedly” for the tweet, saying: “I have deleted an old tweet which I accept was crass and insensitive, and I apologise unreservedly for posting it.

“It’s wrong to compare the Holocaust to any other political action, because there’s simply no comparison. I want to learn from that mistake and will work with groups such as the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities and the Holocaust Educational Trust.”

Tory candidate Annie Wells said it is “beyond belief” that Ms Callaghan has not been removed as a candidate and added: “What kind of warped mind would think opposing independence is anything like the Holocaust?”

Stephanie Callaghan has been widely criticised.