LABOUR'S Momentum organisation drew criticism online after sharing a short video that was branded as "bordering on xenophobic" by SNP Transport Minister Humza Yousaf.
The ad, created by the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, takes aim at the SNP and ScotRail because the rail network franchise is currently operated by Abellio, a Dutch company.
It portrays the Dutch as benefitting from Scottish rail users, and implies shock that a Scottish rail network overseen by a Scottish party would also not be run by a Scottish organisation.
How did that happen?! 🤔😅
— Momentum (@PeoplesMomentum) August 23, 2017
Sign the petition for a #PublicScotRail: https://t.co/RgP7KAf4iQ pic.twitter.com/rT6ELKBeSW
The video aims to direct folk to a petition for re-nationalising the rail network in Scotland, though many online have criticsed the tone and approach in the comments below the tweet.
In response to the video Yousaf tweeted "Hope reasonable folk will distance themselves from this insulting, bordering on xenophobic video".
SNP strategist Ross Colquhoun also claimed the video was incorrect, citing that the Scottish Government did not have the power to submit a public sector bid when the ScotRail franchise contract last came up for renewal.
TSSA have been approached for comment.
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