Conservative MSP apologises to First Minister after comment which was 'over the line'

A Conservative MSP has apologised to the First Minister after a heckle in the Scottish Parliament chamber which was "over the line".

Tess White has since asked to withdraw her comment, which was made during First Minister's Questions earlier this afternoon.

Nicola Sturgeon was answering a question from Labour's Pauline McNeill regarding Scottish Government plans to tackle public displays of anti-Irish racism and anti-Catholic prejudice when the incident took place.

Sturgeon said: "I take the view that anybody who chooses to live in Scotland, whether they and their families have been here for generations or whether they have come to Scotland very recently... this is their home."

At that point, it is understood that White, an MSP for the North East region, said: "Except if you're English."

The First Minister appeared visibly stunned before Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone interjected and said: "I would be grateful if members, at all times in this chamber, remember that we are privileged to represent the people of Scotland and that at all times in this chamber, we treat one another with great dignity and respect."

Sturgeon added: "Presiding Officer, I have just had a comment made to me from a sedentary position.

"I would not normally do this, but I am so deeply offended by the comment that I do want, after the session, to take it up with you.

"So that, with your permission, the member may be asked to reflect on that and to withdraw that comment.

"It was a comment that would have been unacceptable, unacceptable in any context, but in the context of what we are discussing here, right now, I am deeply aggrieved that any member thought that was an appropriate thing to say."

Later on, White was called to speak by the Presiding Officer.

She told the chamber: “My comments during First Minister’s Questions were over the line and I would like to withdraw them and apologise to both the chamber and the First Minister.”

Johnstone said she was grateful White had reflected on her behaviour and double-checked that the apology had been sincere.

She said: "You will be in no doubt at all, Ms White, that great offence was caused, and I would like to be absolutely certain that that is an unambiguous apology, that you withdraw the remarks, and that you apologise wholeheartedly.

"Can you please stand and confirm that that is indeed the case?"

Standing, White said: "I confirm, Presiding Officer."

The Presiding Officer then confirmed that on this occasion no further action will be taken but said that did not detract from the seriousness with which she viewed the incident.