Under-fire Conservative MP issues apology for gypsy traveller comment
A Conservative MP has apologised for saying his priority as prime minister would be to bring in “tougher enforcement against gypsy travellers”.
Douglas Ross made the comments in an online interview when asked what he would do if he was prime minister for the day.
He was criticised by opposition parties and human rights groups but said it was an issue within his Moray constituen- cy, where land owners have faced court action and cleanup costs from camp sites.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Friday, Mr Ross said he would pick another priority such as tackling global famine or eradicating cancer if asked the question again.
He told Good Morning Scotland: “I do apologise for saying that would be a number one priority as prime minister; that clearly wouldn’t be the case for any prime minister.
“If I was given the opportunity to do that quick-fire interview again, I would definitely come up with a different priority.”