Scotland’s Politicians’re Throwing the “Obama‑Vax” Throwback Listbox
In a move that’s had both lawmakers and the internet in a frenzy, a handful of SNP and Scottish Green Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have drafted a motion accusing the British government of hiding behind a “no‑fear” front against the Israeli government and calling for the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) to be deemed a terrorist organisation in the UK.
What’s the Deal?
- The motion was birthed by Snappy names like Stephanie Callaghan, Ben Macpherson, Paul McLennan, and more, all keen to stir the political pot.
- It claims that the UK’s leadership is “terrified to show anything but utter compliance and subservience to the Israeli government.” In plain language: “Stop being a passive partner!”
- It pushes the bold step of having the IDF proscribed as a terrorist org.
How Does This Fit into… The ‘Old Tapestry’?
Timing is everything. The argument that the Jewish state wields outsized power in domestic politics is a long‑standing trope that has avoided acceptance for decades. It’s widely regarded as a violation of the International Hate Reduction Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
Green vs. SNP: The “Definition Battle”
Where does the political line divide? The Scottish Greens have famously declined to adopt the IHRA definition, signaling their stance on fighting anti‑Jewish racism. Conversely, the SNP has embraced it, putting it at the center of their policy. Hence, the motion has two distinct sets of voices, each carrying a different weight.
What CAA Is Saying
Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) slammed the motion, stating in a written filing that “the suggestion that the Jewish state exercises outsized influence in domestic politics alludes to a cliché trope and is a breach of the IHRA definition.” Essentially, they’re waving a red flag at the motion’s underlying assumptions.
So… What Now?
Will the SNP go after its own MSPs for hanging their names on a draft? That question hangs in the balance as the debate over the motion’s validity and its opposition continues to play out in the corridors of power.
Stay tuned for the next headline. The drama’s just getting started!
