AN SNP MP was called an antisemite amid a debate on a motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, it has been alleged.
Steven Bonnar raised a point of order in the House of Commons, claiming that DUP MP Ian Paisley had accused him of antisemitism.
Paisley had previously spoken to argue that the SNP’s motion on a Gaza ceasefire was insufficient because it did not mention the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.
The North Antrim MP implied that this was akin to Holocaust denial.
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He said: “We are being asked to vote for a motion that does not contain any word about the rape of the women, the murder of the children, the unjustifiable attack.
“It is as if, Mr deputy speaker, it did not happen. It's as if it was invisible.
“It’s as if, like other people in the 20th century denied things that happened to Israel and the Jewish people. That's essentially what we're seeing tonight. The denial of an attack on Israel.”
An MP could be heard to say Paisley’s comments were “utterly vile”, leading him to go on: “Yes, it is utterly vile that it did not appear.”
SNP MP Kirsten Oswald (above) intervened: “I say to the honourable gentleman that the remarks he just made, where he was conflating things which should never be conflated, do not show this house in the best way.
“We're all entitled to our views, but on this particular subject we need to treat this seriously with the dignity and respect it deserves. I'm sorry to tell the honourable gentleman he did not do that.”
Paisley responded: “I am sorry that the honourable lady's motion, which she is asking me and members to vote on tonight, does not contain a single word about the seventh of October.
“It is a denial, and it is invisible, because it's as if it didn't happen.”
After Paisley was finished speaking, MP Rob Roberts was called on to speak, but discussion continued between the DUP member and the SNP benches.
Expressions of outrage could be heard before Bonnar called a point of order, saying: “I've just been called antisemite by the honourable member from the North of Ireland.
“And I think it's an absolute disgrace that that is where he is bringing this debate to today.”
The deputy speaker called on MPs to “use temperate language, particularly in debates which are very heated”.
He added: “I would ask members to be very careful. I didn't hear what was said, but I must reinforce, please use temperate language whether you're on your feet or whether you're sitting down.”
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