WHAT does it take to become one of Westminster’s most senior political correspondents?
A contact book full of MPs willing to spill their – and others’ – secrets over a pint. That’s one thing on the list.
A firm belief that you are a valued expert on just about every topic under the sun – despite only really knowing about the latest headlines. That’s another.
One thing the Jouker is sure doesn’t appear on the list is having an understanding of the SNP and the Scottish independence movement.
If it did, there is no way John Rentoul would have been the chief political commentator at The Independent for the past two decades.
But he has been, and so we are stuck seeing his comments.
READ MORE: Ally McCoist reveals he won't attend Rangers vs Celtic as he plays down hate crime remark
Normally, it’s a case of ignore, ignore. But the Jouker could not help but take notice of his latest ejaculation.
Obviously eager to jump on the anti-Hate Crime Act bandwagon, Rentoul shared an image from Police Scotland explaining what a hate crime is.
“So, what is a hate crime? Any crime which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated (wholly or partly) by malice or ill will towards a social group,” the Police Scotland graphic said.
Rentoul’s take?
“Legislated for by the SNP, a party animated in some part – we can argue how much, but it’s not zero – by ill will towards the English.”
Legislated for by the SNP, a party animated in some part – we can argue how much, but it’s not zero – by ill will towards the English https://t.co/3qLi6j40gl
— John Rentoul (@JohnRentoul) April 3, 2024
Yes, he wrote that.
National contributor Gerry Hassan called him out, writing: "John has covered UK politics for over 30 years.
"And still does not have a basic grasp of Scottish politics and the nature of the SNP with its many faults like all political parties."
Another user responded, calling it “offensive nonsense”.
“You really believe that?” they asked. “And why ignore Labour, Greens, LibDem, Tory MSPs that voted for the law?”
The Tories did oppose the legislation from the get-go. But if you’ve been wondering why Labour and the LibDems have been so quiet amid the recent outcry, the fact they voted for the Hate Crime Act may explain it.
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