Robert Leslie, the Orkney SNP candidate for the Scottish Parliament election in 2026 says Liam McArthur’s decision to vote against imposing a package of boycotts against Israel due to the atrocities being witnessed in Gaza is a misguided slap in the face for many of his constituents.
Robert Leslie was speaking after the Scottish Government announced a range of actions against Israel following a powerful statement in Holyrood from First Minister John Swinney.
John Swinney urged the UK Government to take immediate action and outlined the action that the SNP will take with the powers Scotland has.
In stark contrast, Liam McArthur joined his LibDem colleagues in voting against a Green Party amendment, backed by the SNP, that calls on the Scottish and UK governments to immediately impose a package of boycotts, divestment and sanctions targeted at the State of Israel and at companies complicit in its military operations and its occupation of Palestine.
Robert Leslie, who regularly attends the weekly Gaza ceasefire vigils at St Magnus Cathedral, said:
“More and more folk have been turning out to the vigils every week as the situation in Gaza has worsened. “
“I can’t be the only person who feels my views haven’t been reflected in Liam McArthur’s vote with his party, instead of taking on the strength of feeling among so many folk in Orkney.
“It is misguided at best, but feels like a slap in the face to those who see a genocide and famine conditions claim so many innocent lives in Gaza.
“If he had take time to listen to many of those who stand on the Kirk Green in front of St Magnus Cathedral every Saturday, he might have voted differently.”
Robert Leslie said:
“Scotland will not stand by while genocide unfolds before our eyes. The SNP is ensuring that Scotland stands with Palestine by delivering real action. We’re sending humanitarian aid, treating injured children, supporting students, and halting public funding for companies linked to Israel’s war machine.
“The Labour UK government must recognise the State of Palestine, end arms sales to Israel, and impose sanctions on Israeli war criminals. Anything less is a betrayal of international law and of basic human decency.
“The people of Scotland expect their leaders to speak out for justice and humanity. The SNP will always stand for peace, for dignity, and for a future where every life is valued equally.”
The SNP is demanding that the Labour UK government:
- Immediately recognise the State of Palestine within the 1967 borders.
- End all arms sales to Israel and withdraw from the UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement
- Impose sanctions on members of the Israeli government complicit in war crimes and illegal settlements
- Ban imports of goods from illegal Israeli settlements, following Ireland’s lead
- Support international justice, including backing South Africa’s case at the ICJ and implementing ICC arrest warrants.
The actions that will be taken by the SNP Scottish Government include:
- Trade and arms restrictions: New public funding will be paused for arms companies whose products are linked to states accused of genocide, including Israel. Any defence companies seeking support from the Scottish Government must prove that they are not supplying the Israeli military.
- Medical support for children: Scotland will provide treatment for up to 20 injured children from Gaza, who will arrive with their families to Scotland from mid-September.
- Support for students: working with universities to ensure Gazan students can attend Scottish universities if offered a place.
- Justice and accountability: exploring how Scotland’s legal community, universities, and civil society can contribute to preserving evidence for international criminal cases.