Meeting of the Parliament 24 June 2026 [Draft]
Were it only about the terminology that Reform is using, it would be one thing, but it is not. Let us look at some of the words used by Reform politicians, both here and in other places: calling for “cold rage”, describing our justice system as being “two tier” and describing recent migrants as being of “fighting age”. Those words constitute incitement and they are deeply problematic.
Let us go through why. First of all, those words are alienating. They actively and deliberately place divisions between fellow citizens and fellow residents of this country. They inspire a sense of conspiracy in the system itself. Ultimately, what they are deliberately designed to do—I think that members across the chamber know this—is instil a sense of threat among many people in our country.
When people feel threatened, they resort to violence. That is why I absolutely associate myself with the minister’s words. We must all take responsibility for our words and reflect on the current circumstances and situations. Whether or not there is a direct causal link is one thing, but, in the context of recent violence, both in Scotland and elsewhere, it is certainly deeply irresponsible to use such rhetoric and language.
I understand and recognise that, in the new Reform group in the Parliament, there are many different members from many different backgrounds. I have got to know many of you and I have had conversations with you. I understand that some of you come from public service backgrounds and that most of you are here to do a job and to make a difference. However, I say this to you: is this the party that you want to be? Are these the politics that you want to enable and represent? [Interruption.]
Thomas Kerr is laughing. If he thinks that violence in this city is funny, I am outraged—deeply outraged. He should think very carefully, because people in this city were injured. There was a clear incitement and the words that he and others in his party have used do not help that situation.