Johnson was castigated as slow to act over coronavirus as far back as January
In his article “In this national crisis, both Scotland and the UK must deliver clear messages” (Perspective, 1 April), Murdo Fraser displays some cracks in the facade of political unity in dealing with the coronavirus, making some sly digs at the slightly different approach of the Scottish Government. As a conservative, he can’t mention that the World Health Organisation castigated Boris Johnson as far back as January over his lack of action. Of course, at the time the Prime Minister was preoccupied with the “Bongs for Big Ben” campaign and the need for a ten-day holiday.
Similarly, Mr Fraser draws a veil over the obfuscation and lies over the procurement of ventilators from the EU and reagents for coronavirus tests and turns to differing advice given, between Scotland and England, over the operation of building sites. He quotes Douglas Ross MP, who in contrast to the relevant unions and just about anyone who has worked on a building site, says social distancing in that environment is possible.
Mr Fraser then turns his attention to the Alex Salmond situation and ingenuously implies that Mr Salmond’s
QC considers him a “sex pest”. He says this even though he knows Gordon Jackson has vigorously refuted that allegation. Mr Fraser then goes on to say: “We still have nine women, who claim that they were victims of his behaviour, who feel badly let down by the system, and who all deserve our sympathy.” Reading this, you could be forgiven for thinking the trial was still to conclude.
Clearly, Murdo Fraser is bitterly disappointed by the verdict and it must have clouded what is generally perceived not to be the shrewdest judgment in the Scottish parliament. How else can it be explained that a senior Conservative politician has chosen to impugn the integrity of the judge, jury and the entire Scottish judicial system?
GILL TURNER Derby Street, Edinburgh
Colin Hamilton (Letters, 3 April) claims it was Gordon Jackson QC’S “duty to prove his case” in the recent trial of Alex Salmond.
Sorry, but it wasn’t. The onus is on the prosecution to prove its case. The defence has no such onus.
All it has to do is create a reasonable doubt.
BEN MCCABE Glenfield Road West, Galashiels