MSP’s controversial tweet sparks outrage
SNP MSP Rona Mackay has been criticised for telling parents to report teachers who express opposition to the vaccine passport scheme. The MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden tweeted on Saturday: “If your child tells you their teacher is speaking against the vaccine passport, please report it to the head teacher. This is totally unacceptable.”
Her tweet, which has since been deleted, was met with a barrage of negative responses from Twitter users, who accused her of promoting a “snitch culture” and undermining free speech. Some also questioned the legality and ethics of her statement, as well as the impact it could have on the relationship between teachers and pupils.
One user wrote: “This is absolutely disgraceful. Teachers are entitled to their opinions and should be able to express them without fear of reprisals. You are creating a climate of fear and intimidation in schools.”
Another commented: “This is Orwellian. You are asking children to spy on their teachers and report them for having a different view. How is this compatible with democracy and human rights?”
Vaccine passport scheme faces opposition
The vaccine passport scheme, which is due to come into force on October 1, will require people to show proof of vaccination, a negative test, or recent recovery from Covid-19 to access certain venues and events. The Scottish Government says the measure is necessary to reduce the spread of the virus and protect the NHS.
However, the scheme has faced opposition from various groups, including some SNP members, who have raised concerns about its effectiveness, legality, and impact on civil liberties . A petition against the scheme, launched by the campaign group No Vaccine Passports Scotland, has gathered over 60,000 signatures.
The Scottish Parliament narrowly approved the scheme last week, with 68 votes in favour and 55 against. The SNP was supported by the Scottish Greens, while the Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats voted against.
MSP apologises for tweet
Following the backlash, MSP Rona Mackay issued an apology on Sunday, saying she regretted her tweet and had deleted it. She said: “I apologise unreservedly for my tweet yesterday. It was a mistake and I have deleted it. I have always supported freedom of speech and I always will.”
She also clarified that she was not referring to teachers who have personal objections to the vaccine passport scheme, but to those who use their position to influence pupils. She said: “I was referring to a very specific situation where a teacher was using their position of influence to speak against a public health measure in the classroom. That is not acceptable and could put pupils and staff at risk.”
However, her apology did not seem to appease many of her critics, who continued to express their dismay and anger at her tweet. Some called for her resignation or disciplinary action, while others questioned her suitability to be an MSP.
One user wrote: “Too little, too late. You have shown your true colours and they are not pretty. You should resign or be sacked for this appalling tweet.”
Another commented: “How can you claim to support freedom of speech when you tried to silence teachers who disagree with you? You have lost all credibility and respect as an MSP.”
