SCOTTISH Labour’s communications boss has found himself at the centre of controversy after tweeting that his party would “cremate” the SNP.
Oliver Milne, who became the party’s head of media shortly after Anas Sarwar took over as leader, put the post out during First Minister’s Questions on Thursday.
It came after a heated exchange between Sarwar and SNP leader Humza Yousaf, who took aim at Labour for their U-turns and backing for Tory policies.
READ MORE: Gordon Brown's think tank to hold pro-Union rally in Scotland
“Here is the real proof of the fact that Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has lurched to the right again,” Yousaf said.
“The very first major speaking event that I went to as First Minister was at the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Anas Sarwar was there. One person who was not invited was Keir Starmer.
“Dundee Trades Union Council brought forward a motion that condemned Keir Starmer’s actions and behaviours.
“Labour members might well be led by someone who is named after the founder of the Labour Party, but if Keir Hardie could see the state that the Labour Party is in now, he would be birling in his grave.”
Keir Hardie was cremated. Which is what we’re going to do to the SNP at the next election. #FMQs
— Oliver Milne (@OliverMilne) May 11, 2023
Apparently in response, Milne tweeted: “Keir Hardie was cremated. Which is what we’re going to do to the SNP at the next election.”
The comment drew anger on social media, with commentator Gerry Hassan writing: “Some things never change in Scottish politics including senior Labour figures using offensive, inappropriate language about the SNP.”
SNP MP David Linden said: "These tasteless comments show the pro-Brexit Labour Party still as arrogant as ever – and it's taking voters in Scotland for granted, while it lurches further to the right and becomes increasingly indistinguishable from the Tories.
"In contrast, the SNP is the only party offering a real alternative with independence – and we will never take voters for granted.
“At the next election, voting SNP is the best way to beat the Tories in Scotland – and it is the only way to get rid of arrogant Westminster governments for good with independence."
Milne's Twitter bio does state: "Views own. It is probably a joke."
The Scottish Labour party was approached for comment.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel