Holyrood committee rejects removal of Maggie Chapman

Maggie Chapman MSP

The Scottish Parliament’s equalities, human rights and civil justice committee, of which the Green MSP is deputy convenor, voted 4-3 against a motion recommending her removal by the Parliament.

It came after Ms Chapman spoke against what she called “the bigotry, prejudice and hatred that we see coming from the Supreme Court and from so many other institutions in our society” at a demonstration in Aberdeen.

Her remarks drew widespread criticism from the legal community, including from the office-bearers of the Faculty of Advocates, who told the committee that they were “not compatible with her role as deputy convenor, or, arguably, her continued membership of the committee”.

Ms Chapman was joined by three SNP MSPs in voting against the motion, which was supported by two Conservative MSPs – including Tess White, who proposed it – and one Labour MSP.

Appearing this morning via video link, Ms Chapman twice quoted retired Supreme Court justice Lord Hope, who said of her: “I do not think that she should stand down or be removed from her post but she should be more careful with her language.”