Meeting of the Parliament 03 September 2025
The case that Pauline McNeill raises is shocking. What is perhaps more shocking is that it is not isolated. Unfortunately, two-tier justice or non-existent justice for Palestinians in the occupied territory is but a symptom of the wider challenge. I acknowledge Ms McNeill’s long-standing involvement in this issue, and I thank her for raising this particular case, but I am sure that she shares my view that it is one of many and that they are all totally unacceptable.
The First Minister has announced actions that the Scottish Government will take and what we want the United Kingdom Government to do, the latter of which includes following Ireland’s example of banning goods produced in illegal settlements and increasing sanctions against those who promote such settlements. This wave of settler violence appears to be systematic and escalating, and it is going unpunished by the Israeli Government and the Israel Defense Forces. It forces Palestinians off their land, erases livelihoods and communities, and intensifies the humanitarian crisis. There is no time to waste. The UK Government must act now, before it is too late.
On Monday, I joined the First Minister in meeting representatives of Scotland’s Jewish community to make clear the esteem in which they are held and the value that we place on the community’s contribution to our nation. They must not suffer antisemitism because of the actions of Netanyahu’s Government.