The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
MSP hits back over Rangers final criticism
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser has been accused of missing “key opportunities” to raise issues for his constituents at Holyrood so he could watch Rangers play in the Europa League final in Seville.
The politician was criticised for “deserting” his duties on Wednesday after it emerged he skipped parliament due to a midweek trip for the Eintracht Frankfurt clash.
Mr Fraser, who is pictured with fellow Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Dean Lockhart in Seville, previously criticised Nicola Sturgeon for a trip to the US to meet with officials.
The Tory MSP was not present at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday for a session of portfolio questions on Scotland’s Covid recovery.
He would normally attend as the opposite number to Covid Recovery Secretary John Swinney and as chairman of the coronavirus committee.
Mr Fraser was also selected to ask a general question at the Scottish Parliament yesterday but records show this was “not lodged”.
He could have asked the question remotely but it appears he elected not to.
Perth and North Perthshire SNP MP Pete Wishart said: “Two key opportunities to advocate for his constituents in parliament have now been missed.
“No one grudges his desire to see his team play in Europe – but to fail to turn up to parliament, especially when it can be done virtually, will not be forgotten quickly by those he represents.”
A spokesman for Mr Fraser accused the SNP of “breathtaking” double standards.
“They didn’t criticise the then UK minister and leader of the House of Commons, Dr John Reid, when he went to Seville to watch Celtic in 2003,” he said.
“As ever with the SNP, and as we have seen with ridiculous outbursts from Humza Yousaf and James Dornan in the past, they lose no opportunity to attack Rangers and its fans.”
Posting a similar message on Twitter minutes earlier, Mr Fraser added, in an apparent reference to Celtic fans: “But maybe it’s one rule for them…”
Mr Reid was asked to attend the 2003 final as the UK Government’s representative by thenprime minister Tony Blair.
The House of Commons went into recess the day after the match.