DOUGLAS Ross has been told to correct the record after he “misled parliament” while attacking the SNP and Glasgow’s new low emission zone at FMQs.
The Scottish Tory leader raised the example of Homeless Project Scotland, a charity which helps to feed 300 people every day in Glasgow city centre, who he claimed had been denied an “exceptional circumstances” exemption to the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which came into effect on Thursday.
"Maybe the First Minister and the SNP could listen to Homeless Project Scotland. They were refused an exemption," the Tory leader said.
He then repeated: "Homeless Project Scotland [were] refused an exemption to use a refrigerated van within the restricted area."
A clip of the Scots Tory leader's questioning was shared on social media by outlets including the BBC.
Why did homeless project not get exemption from Low Emission Zone in Glasgow to use a refrigerated van to deliver food, asks ScotTories leader Douglas Ross.
— BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) June 1, 2023
FM Humza Yousaf says Glasgow's application process for exemptions is transparent.
Live #FMQs ➡https://t.co/71r2PwzRn4 pic.twitter.com/6OIWNcLOX1
Ross also shared it on his Twitter account, writing: "Homeless Project Scotland helps feed 300 people a day in Glasgow, but they were refused an exemption to use their refrigerated van within the city's new Low Emission Zone.
"@HumzaYousaf why is the SNP council in Glasgow preventing this outstanding charity doing this vital work?"
But SNP councillors in Glasgow watching FMQs were quick to call Ross out, saying that in fact Homeless Project Scotland have been granted a time-limited exemption to the LEZ.
READ MORE: Lesley Riddoch: Morally bankrupt politicians reveal true dead parrot is Unionism
Glasgow City Council has confirmed to The National that such an exemption is in place. It was brought in at the last minute, however, late on May 31.
Councillor Allan Casey wrote on Twitter: “I know that @Douglas4Moray finger isn’t normally on the pulse however he has clearly not done his research today on questioning @HumzaYousaf at #FMQs on the LEZ.
“Homeless Project Scotland have been given a time limited exemption to the LEZ after discussions I had with them.”
@Douglas4Moray has misled the Scottish Parliament. I’m sure he’ll take the opportunity to withdraw his remarks by the end of the day https://t.co/ePTNV1wNPz
— Susan Aitken (@SusaninLangside) June 1, 2023
Glasgow council leader Susan Aitken added: “@Douglas4Moray has misled the Scottish Parliament. I’m sure he’ll take the opportunity to withdraw his remarks by the end of the day.”
And her SNP colleague Paul Leinster added: "Whether deliberately or inadvertently, @Douglas4Moray has misled parliament and must apologise."
The time-limited exemption will give Homeless Project Scotland time to fit out a new vehicle that is compliant with the LEZ's rules.
The charity fundraised more than £16,000 to buy a new refrigerated vehicle. They had a target of £15,000.
But Homeless Project Scotland said after FMQs: "We were forced to buy a van at £15,000 before we could receive an exemption at 9pm last night.
"@Douglas4Moray was right we were being forced to put our fridge van off the road. until we pleaded with @GlasgowCC to allow us x2 months to finish the prep on our new van."
The Scottish Conservatives have been asked for comment.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel