The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
MP’s anger at ‘insulting’ Iraq behaviour by Tory
SNP representative writes to Conservative leader over actions
An angry MP has complained to a rival party leader accusing one of her MPs of trivialising war crimes.
Dundee SNP MP Chris Law has penned a scathing rebuke to Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson over the “inappropriate” behaviour of MP Ross Thomson, who represents Aberdeen South.
It follows the revelation of pictures showing the Tory member channelling his “inner dictator” during a fact-finding mission to Iraq.
Mr Thomson was photographed last week on the parade ground of the country’s former leader Saddam Hussein. He was also snapped sitting on the dictator’s throne.
In a letter seen by The Courier, Mr Law tells Ms Davidson her MP’s behaviour trivialises both the horror suffered by the Iraqi people at the hands of Saddam and the losses and casualties suffered by British soldiers who served in both Gulf Wars.
He asks what action Ms Davidson plans on taking to prevent such an incident from reoccurring – claiming Mr Thomson’s actions brings the UK parliament and Western democracy into disrepute.
Mr Law said a number of concerned constituents in Dundee had contacted him regarding Mr Thomson’s behaviour and noted a mother of a soldier killed in Iraq has called on the Tory to resign.
He said: “When members of parliament take part in delegations abroad, they are representing their constituents and country.
“It is absolutely shocking that a Tory MP would deem it acceptable to act in this way.
“Any MP appearing to glorify or trivialise the heinous atrocities committed by Saddam Hussein should be ashamed of themselves.
“The actions of Ross Thomson are insulting to all the victims of Saddam Hussein’s regime, including those who lost their lives and family members, the brave British service men and women and the many Iraqis who have made Scotland their home, including members of his own constituency.
“Several of my own constituents have been in touch sharing concerns that this conduct by an elected member appears to be tolerated.
“I have written to the Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson to ask what action will be taken towards the individual and what measures will be put in place to ensure this type of behaviour is not repeated.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Conservatives said: “Ross has already made clear he did not intend to cause any offence and apologises to anyone who has been upset.
“He has nothing but the highest regard for those who lost their life in the Iraq war.”