An SNP MSP has been accused of insulting a homeless charity after it pleaded for a building in which to feed the vulnerable.
John Mason was copied into an urgent appeal by Homeless Project Scotland for indoor space to help give soup to people in need.
He claimed he had been told the organisation's finances were "healthy" and replied: “Can you not rent a building?”
Glasgow Labour MSP Paul Sweeney said: “I wish I was surprised that John Mason has managed to insult a charity providing food and support to Glasgow's homeless community, but sadly his tone deaf approach is entirely predictable.”
The charity this week reached out to the SNP-led Glasgow City Council for access to accommodation to “bring people inside out of the cold to eat”.
It estimated that they have over 200 people queuing for hot soup and food, with the charity helping children, the elderly and people who are homeless and disabled.
The charity added: “We have not been contacted with an offer of any help of any kind that’s suitable. We still stand in the rain waiting on communication from you and your team.”
The email was copied in to local politicians and Mason, who represents Glasgow Shettleston, shot back: "I suppose I am a bit puzzled by a few things.
"Firstly, there are at least three other charities working with homeless folk in the city centre and all of them have buildings. Do we really need a fourth building? Is it not possible for yourselves and the existing charities to work together (preferably with the Council as well) to have a more ‘joined up’ service?”
“Secondly, as far as I am aware, these other charities fund-raised, were given donations, etc and got their buildings in that way. So I do not understand why Homeless Project Scotland is expecting the Council to produce a building. I was told that your finances were quite healthy. Are they? Can you not rent a building?”
“I would just hope that there could be a good working relationship between all those working in this field and everyone could try to collaborate as much as possible.”
He signed off: “Many thanks for all you are doing.”
The charity responded: "We are very disappointed with @JohnMasonMSP who continues to blast our charity then say well done for what you do?"
Sweeney added: “Rather than questioning whether they need an indoor space to do their work, he should visit the charity and he will see the vital nature of the work they do despite the woefully inadequate facilities available. Perhaps then he would then appreciate just how desperately needed their services are."
Mason was disciplined recently by the SNP after repeated comments defending anti-abortion protests.
