The Liberal Party suspends Glasgow candidate Derek Jackson 'with immediate effect' after Nazi-style salute and star of David wearing at Glasgow count

The Liberal Party has said their Glasgow candidate has been suspended ‘with immediate effect’ after doing a Nazi-style salute, wearing a yellow star of David and asking Humza Yousaf racially-charged questions at a Glasgow counting hall.
Derek Jackson, for the Liberal Party, was forced to walk away from the Glasgow Emirates Arena (Photo: Gina Davidson).Derek Jackson, for the Liberal Party, was forced to walk away from the Glasgow Emirates Arena (Photo: Gina Davidson).
Derek Jackson, for the Liberal Party, was forced to walk away from the Glasgow Emirates Arena (Photo: Gina Davidson).

Representatives from across the political spectrum physically and vocally stood by the Justice Secretary in support.

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Mr Jackson, and three colleagues, dressed in Men In Black style suits with white shirts, black ties and dark glasses, had pinned to their lapels handmade yellow Star of David badges with the word “unvax” written on them, as a protest against Covid vaccinations, he said.

The four men made a beeline for Mr Yousaf, where they tried to question him about child rapes in Pakistan.

Mr Yousaf said: “Anybody witnessing that exchange would know they were directing questions to me about Pakistan obviously because of the colour of my skin.”

The party he was meant to be representing has now apologised, saying Derek Jackson ‘massively misrepresented’ their party and its core values.

The Liberal Party also noted that they are working with Police Scotland following the incident.

An ‘emergency statement’ from the Liberal Party on the Glasgow Southside candidate stated: “The Liberal Party notes with considerable concern the behaviour of its former candidate, Derek Jackson, at the election count for the Glasgow Southside Scottish Parliament seat and does not in any way endorse his actions.

“Mr Jackson’s membership has been suspended with immediate effect.

"The Liberal Party is sorry for any offence Mr Jackson may have caused to any member of the public or to the other candidates. Mr Jackson, who has acted entirely independently in adopting certain symbols and gestures has massively misrepresented The Liberal Party and its core values.

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"The Liberal Party vehemently and actively opposes any form of anti-Semitism or racism or the use of any symbols which evoke or promote any such sentiments. The Liberal Party stands for a society that is open, tolerant and equal for all individuals and communities, whatever their heritage faith or gender.”

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