Have you heard?

The Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee has closed its deliberations on petition PE1324, Israel (Scottish Parliament Exhibition) after expending a lot of hot air – and little else!

The exhibition, on the contribution to medicine, science and technology made by the people of Israel during its short sixty two years of existence, was displayed within the parliament building from 27 to 29 April, 2010 and engendered a lot of interest and positive comments. Some uncomplimentary comments were received but, given the nature of things, were more examples of ignorance and stupidity rather than contributions to debate.

Objections to the exhibition, raised by an extremist fringe group, Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign in an apparent attempt to the deny freedom of speech and/or expression of anyone they disagree with, was discussed over three meetings of the committee. Yes, it took that long for the committee to get the message, supported by three-times repeated statements from the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body:

Members of the Scottish Parliament may sponsor small-scale exhibitions in the Garden Lobby or Members' Lobby to provide information or highlight relevant issues to other Members. Members are fully entitled to sponsor exhibitions in the Members' areas of the Parliament which have a relevance to their parliamentary or constituency role and the decision to sponsor a particular topic or organisation is the responsibility of the sponsoring Member. Exhibitions provide information on themes such as health, education, the environment, business, culture, heritage and international connections.

Ken Macintosh MSP is sponsoring an exhibition by Scottish Friends of Israel in the Scottish Parliament between 27 and 29 April, entitled Israel’s Contribution to Medicine, Science and Technology. The purpose of the exhibition is to provide information about Israel's contribution to the areas of science, medicine and technology to MSPs. Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) March 30, 2010.

Careful consideration was given to this exhibition proposal by the sponsoring MSP and, as noted in the request form, a key aim in sponsoring the exhibition was to provide information about Israel outwith the usual media portrayal focusing on the conflict. This exhibition meets the agreed criteria for MSP sponsored exhibitions by having the confirmed sponsorship of an MSP. The exhibition also meets the criteria of providing information relevant to MSPs about a specific issue.

Given that the exhibition has an MSP sponsor and will provide information to other MSPs on a specific and relevant issue, and that it complies with the agreed criteria the exhibition will take place week beginning Monday 26 April as planned. P E Grice, Clerk/Chief Executive. April 16, 2010.

I refer to your letter of Thursday 22 April enquiring whether the Scottish parliament Corporate Body (SPCB) will consider, in light of this petition, reviewing the policy on Member sponsored exhibitions….Member sponsored exhibitions enable Members to sponsor exhibitions reflecting differing views, interests or policy positions so long as they are not party political….Member sponsored exhibitions are an important means for organisations, and Members, to raise awareness amongst Members on specific topics and issues….The SPCB’s view is that the existing policy is fair and appropriate and does not therefore require to be reviewed. P E Grice, Clerk/Chief Executive. May 6, 2010.

I have, as the Committee requested, reflected again on this issue with the Corporate Body.

The Corporate Body is clear that there are two distinct issues here. The first relates to issues of policy relating to Israel and its neighbours. They are of quite legitimate interest to the Parliament and its Members…The other matter is the ability of Members of this Parliament to raise awareness around issues they regard as of legitimate interest. The Corporate Body is very clear that this latter ability is of central importance to the role of MSPs…They have asked me to reiterate that the exhibition, which is the focus of discussion was, quite legitimately, promoted by an MSP. Intervening in that process…could set an unfortunate precedent. P E Grice, Clerk/Chief Executive, June 10, 2010.

Even avowed pro-Palestine members on the committee; Bill Butler, Robin Harper and Convenor Frank McAveety (all also members of the anti-Israel Parliamentary Cross-Party Group on Palestine) eventually succumbed to reality:

Bill Butler: “I think the committee has taken this matter as far as it can”.

Robin Harper: “I do not think we have any option other than to close the petition”.

Convenor, Frank McAveety, agreed - when his attention span was not allegedly being interrupted by, what he considered and was recorded noting, a particularly pretty schoolgirl in the public area.

The Official Report (verbatim record) can be accessed at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/petitions/or-10/pu10-1002.htm#Col2726

Soon to be discussed at a future meeting of the committee:

The ongoing petition PE 1308, calling the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review its policy with respect to trade missions or trade initiatives by public funded bodies to Israel and to direct or influence Scottish Trade International to end any on-going initiatives with Israel. Watch this Space!

S.G.

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