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John Swinney owes Scotland’s veterans answers, not another lecture
The article argues that First Minister John Swinney should explain why the Scottish Government’s main X account posted about the Sikh festival Bandi Chhor Divas at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, while publishing no original tribute of its own. It says the timing during the two-minute silence was inappropriate and that veterans and their families deserve a clear account of what happened.
The article, written by Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland Harriet Cross, says it is unclear who scheduled the post, whether its timing was deliberate or accidental, and when Swinney learned of it. Cross criticises Swinney for calling her questions “disgusting” and says that, if the post was a mistake, he should acknowledge it and explain how a repeat will be prevented. The article also notes that more than 83,000 Sikhs died in the First and Second World Wars.
In short
- A Scottish Government X post about Bandi Chhor Divas appeared at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.
- Harriet Cross says John Swinney should explain the post’s timing and the absence of an original tribute.
- She says any mistake should be acknowledged and steps taken to prevent a repeat.