Scottish Parliament accepts peace tree to commemorate Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings

Holyrood has agreed to accept a peace tree to mark the anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during the second world war.

A bonsai tree is likely to be visible in the Parliament in a bid to strengthen the links between Scotland and Japan.

Hundreds of thousands of people died as a result of the two atomic bombings in 1945.

Japan surrendered after the action by the US and the war ended in Asia.

However, critics believe Japan was already preparing to surrender before the bombs were dropped and point to the human suffering caused.

Bill Kidd, an SNP MSP who champions nuclear disarmament, came up with the idea of giving Holyrood a Ginko tree as a symbolic move. Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer, agreed.

Kidd said: “The bonsai tree to be presented to the Scottish Parliament is a Ginko Tree, which is the only species of plant which survived the detonations of the atom bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki leaving the radioactivity which killed more than 260,000 people and ruined the lives of so many others.

MSP Bill Kidd (Daily Record)

“This small tree will be a symbol of bringing people together across the world and I’m very proud that the Scottish Parliament continues to work hard to do this.”

It is expected the tree will be visible in the member’s restaurant of the Parliament.

A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “The Presiding Officer has agreed to accept a Bonsai Tree on behalf of the Parliament from Mr Kidd.

“The gift is intended to foster links between the people of Scotland and Japan as they commemorate the delayed 75th Anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”

Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer said: “This tree will serve as a symbol of peace and solidarity with the people of Japan, a tribute to those who needlessly lost their lives in what ranks as one of the most shameful episodes in human history.

"It will remind generations of Scottish parliamentarians of the importance of fostering peace and never repeating the terrible mistakes of the past.”

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