Official Report 1094KB pdf
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. The chamber will be aware of reporting by Alice Faulkner of Clyde 1 news that a campaign leaflet issued by Labour features a made-up quote that is incorrectly attributed to maternity campaigner Claire Fleming, who has publicly denied saying those words, and—
Mr Stewart, points of order should refer to whether proper parliamentary procedures have been followed.
I am coming to the parliamentary aspect of the issue, Presiding Officer.
Despite promising on multiple occasions to publicly apologise to Ms Fleming once he found out about the issue, I note that Mr Sarwar has yet to do so. Blatant disinformation of that type undermines trust in politicians, our politics and this Parliament. Although you are not responsible for the output of members in a political space, Presiding Officer, I point out that fabricating quotes from members of the public has repercussions way beyond that political space and has serious potential for this very institution to be brought into disrepute.
Presiding Officer, can you outline how members can ensure the accuracy of our output, both inside and outside the chamber? Will Mr Sarwar take this opportunity to put his full apology to Claire Fleming on the parliamentary record?
As I indicated, that is not a matter for the chair, but, of course, members should strive to be accurate always.
The next item of business is a members’ business debate, and there will now be a short suspension to allow those leaving the public gallery and the chamber to do so.
12:51 Meeting suspended.