SCOTTISH Labour’s communications boss has found himself at the centre of controversy after tweeting that his party would “cremate” the SNP.
Oliver Milne, who became the party’s head of media shortly after Anas Sarwar took over as leader, put the post out during First Minister’s Questions on Thursday.
It came after a heated exchange between Sarwar and SNP leader Humza Yousaf, who took aim at Labour for their U-turns and backing for Tory policies.
“Here is the real proof of the fact that Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has lurched to the right again,” Yousaf said.
“The very first major speaking event that I went to as First Minister was at the Scottish Trades Union Congress. Anas Sarwar was there. One person who was not invited was Keir Starmer.
“Dundee Trades Union Council brought forward a motion that condemned Keir Starmer’s actions and behaviours.
“Labour members might well be led by someone who is named after the founder of the Labour Party, but if Keir Hardie could see the state that the Labour Party is in now, he would be birling in his grave.”
Keir Hardie was cremated. Which is what we’re going to do to the SNP at the next election. #FMQs
— Oliver Milne (@OliverMilne) May 11, 2023
Apparently in response, Milne tweeted: “Keir Hardie was cremated. Which is what we’re going to do to the SNP at the next election.”
The comment drew anger on social media, with commentator Gerry Hassan writing: “Some things never change in Scottish politics including senior Labour figures using offensive, inappropriate language about the SNP.”
SNP MP David Linden said: "These tasteless comments show the pro-Brexit Labour Party still as arrogant as ever – and it's taking voters in Scotland for granted, while it lurches further to the right and becomes increasingly indistinguishable from the Tories.
"In contrast, the SNP is the only party offering a real alternative with independence – and we will never take voters for granted.
“At the next election, voting SNP is the best way to beat the Tories in Scotland – and it is the only way to get rid of arrogant Westminster governments for good with independence."
Milne's Twitter bio does state: "Views own. It is probably a joke."
The Scottish Labour party was approached for comment.
