Scottish Daily Mail

‘If your god exists, you will rot in hell’

SNP MSP accused of vile tweet over Rees-Mogg ++ He’s reported to ethical standards watchdog

- Mark Howarth

A SCOTTISH Nationalis­t politician is under fire amid claims he tweeted devout Catholic MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, saying: ‘If your god exists, you will undoubtedl­y rot in hell.’

The SNP’s James Dornan responded to the Leader of the House of Commons after he posted a video about the Government’s policy on asylum seekers.

Mr Rees-Mogg’s clip showed him visiting the Border Force national command centre and speaking in favour of the new Nationalit­y and Borders Bill.

The Bill gives Border Force the power to turn away asylum seekers crossing by sea, with officers allowed to use ‘reasonable force, if necessary’.

Offshore processing centres could be set up, meaning asylum seekers could be sent away while their cases are determined. The Bill will also make it a criminal offence to arrive in the UK without permission.

Mr Rees-Mogg had posted praise for the Home Office Bill for attacking the people smugglers who profit from sending boatloads of migrants across the Channel. He wrote: ‘The bands of blighters bringing illegal entrants to

‘Dornan dripping more poison’

Blighty will be broken up by this brilliant borders Bill.’

But, in apparent reference to Mr Rees-Mogg’s Catholic faith, Mr Dornan replied on Thursday: ‘Hope you remember this the next time you go to confession. You and your cronies are already responsibl­e for the deaths of thousands and you’re now happy to see the most desperate people in the world suffer and drown.

‘If your god exists you will undoubtedl­y rot in hell.’

Only last month, the 68-yearold MSP for Glasgow Cathcart had to apologise after accusing an Edinburgh bus company of deliberate­ly targeting service cancellati­ons at Catholics.

Lothian Buses had cancelled services on St Patrick’s Day in March due to repeated attacks on its vehicles and buses.

Mr Dornan claimed there was a sectarian motive. He later made a private apology.

Scottish Tory chief whip, Stephen Kerr, said: ‘I try to avoid commenting on this particular MSP, but this latest comment is beyond the pale. The SNP need to tell us why they think it is appropriat­e they keep this person in their party.

‘These comments from James Dornan were poisonous... This vitriol simply has no place in respectful political debate.

‘This gaffe-prone MSP has once again shown his nasty side and shamefully brought religion into his anger at a fellow elected representa­tive. James Dornan must urgently apologise for this wholly unacceptab­le and abusive behaviour immediatel­y.’

Last night, the Tories confirmed they had reported Mr Dornan to the Ethical Standards Commission­er, who polices the MSPs’ Code of Conduct. The code states that members must not carry out ‘bullying, harassment or any other inappropri­ate behaviour’.

Mr Rees-Mogg was approached for comment.

Labour MP Ian Murray last night said politician­s can disagree ‘without stooping to such levels of hatred’. He added: ‘Fresh from making up sectarian nonsense about Lothian Buses’ workers, Dornan is dripping more poison into our politics.’

An SNP spokesman said: ‘The Scottish Tories’ desperatio­n to pass judgment on a tweet while utterly failing to condemn the immigratio­n regime of their bosses in the Westminste­r Government speaks volumes.’

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 ??  ?? Abusive: The message from Nationalis­t MSP James Dornan, top right, to Jacob Rees-Mogg was condemned as ‘beyond the pale’
Abusive: The message from Nationalis­t MSP James Dornan, top right, to Jacob Rees-Mogg was condemned as ‘beyond the pale’

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