AN SNP MP has hit out at Westminster after his attempt to submit a motion in Scots was rejected because "proceedings need to be in English".
Stephen Flynn, who represents Aberdeen South, said his attempt to submit a motion in Scots about protecting the language was banned.
The motion mentioned TV show Rebel Tongue which saw National columnist and Scottish history expert Alistair Heather showcasing the role of Scots in modern life.
Flynn tweeted: "We should be proud of our culture and work to protect and promote whenever we can. Sadly, Westminster doesn’t appear to agree and my attempt to submit the EDM in Scots was binned. ‘Rebel Tongue’ was a cracking show. Give it a watch if you haven’t already."
He told The National that the rejection showed "Westminster Parliament isn’t necessarily keen on promoting Scotland’s culture".
He added: “An early-day motion in Scots would have be an easy and effective way of highlighting both a brilliant show and also the language itself.
“To be told that all proceedings need to be in English, or in some instances Welsh, was disappointing but to most it won’t necessarily come as a surprise to learn that the Westminster Parliament isn’t necessarily keen on promoting Scotland’s culture.
“Whether we speak Scots or not we should be proud of Scotland’s heritage and try to promote it at every turn and I hope that in highlighting the success of this show we will see further such productions.”
The motion read: "That this House welcomes the production of the television programme Rebel Tongue where the host, Alistair Heather, highlights the importance of the Scots language and showcases its role in modern Scottish life; notes that Scots is one of Scotland’s three official languages with over one and a half million speakers; recognises that Scots is at the core of the work of some of Scotland’s most distinguished and influential writers and poets, including Robert Burns, Liz Lochhead, Edwin Morgan and Jackie Kay; acknowledges that Scots is listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger; argues that more must be done to safeguard this historic language; believes that it deserves further recognition within broadcasting and education; and commends those Scots who proudly speak in their mother tongue."
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