Braveheart backlash
Anger as Nationalist MSPs to attend rally and movie show staged by Sheridan
naTionaLisT politicians have been criticised for agreeing to appear at a proindependence event organised by convicted perjurer Tommy sheridan.
Former health secretary alex neil and snP backbenchers sandra White and Gil Paterson are among the speakers confirmed for the shamed Leftwing firebrand’s hope over Fear rally in Glasgow this weekend.
The event will feature a showing of Braveheart on a giant screen, even though it has been given a 15 rating – meaning any member of the public could report organisers to police if children under the age of 15 are present.
snP Treasurer Colin Beattie, who donated to alex salmond’s fundraising campaign for legal action against the scottish Government over sexual misconduct claims, was due to speak but has pulled out. it is understood he was unaware of sheridan’s involvement when he agreed to appear.
nationalist chiefs last night refused to condemn the politicians for appearing alongside the former MsP, who was jailed for lying under oath during a libel case involving allegations that he was an adulterer who visited a swingers’ club.
Maurice Golden, the scottish Conservative chief whip, said: ‘it’s quite obvious Tommy sheridan is using this campaign as a way to rehabilitate his image from convicted perjurer and failed politician.
‘sadly, the snP politicians sharing a platform with him diminish themselves in doing so. reasonable supporters of independence will cringe at the prospect of this ridiculous spectacle.’
saturday’s event will also feature Chris Mceleny, the snP’s group leader on inverclyde Council, while other speakers are due to be announced today. The appearance of snP politicians at an event demanding a second independence referendum is embarrassing for nicola sturgeon, who has pledged to provide MsPs with an update on her thoughts about another vote.
at the event, in Glasgow’s George square, Mel Gibson’s gory blockbuster Braveheart will be broadcast on a giant screen from 10am, followed by the rally.
however, when it was pointed out yesterday on social media that the film has a 15 certificate, sheridan responded: ‘all under 15 unaccompanied by adults will be offered personal tablets showing several episodes of BBC newsnight instead. Just to ensure similar historical accuracy. Don’t want to mislead young minds. They might end up believing independence is normal #shockhorror #hopeoverFear.’
a Glasgow City Council spokesman said: ‘When hope over Fear applied to use George square they indicated their intention to erect a screen, but no information was provided on what would be shown.
‘a cinema licence is required if someone intends to show films on at least six consecutive days in a year. as hope over Fear are only using George square for one day, there is no requirement for them to have a licence to show films.’
asked about the MsPs attending, an snP spokesman said: ‘This is not an snP event.’