Brief
Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess criticised for liking antisemitic post
Calls for resignation come from opposition parties, Jewish leaders and fellow Green members after the MSP liked a graphic antisemitic image posted by former SNP and Green MSP John Finnie.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Daily Mail reported that Ariane Burgess, the Scottish Greens MSP for the Highlands, liked an Instagram and Facebook image depicting the Israeli flag combined with a blood‑covered swastika. The post was originally shared by former SNP and Green MSP John Finnie, who has previously described Israeli soldiers as “Nazis in action” and posted related cartoons.
What happened
The image was circulated on social media on October 9, 2026. Burgess’ account registered a "like" on the post, which the Mail on Sunday investigation identified as antisemitic. After the endorsement was discovered, Burgess told the Scottish Parliament that the interaction was accidental and expressed regret, saying she did not intend to cause harm.
What the reports add
The article notes that the Jewish Council of Scotland’s board called the material “grotesque and antisemitic” and urged the Scottish Greens to act. Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton demanded that party co‑leader Ross Greer suspend Burgess. The piece also links the controversy to a recent condemnation of Green co‑leader Ross Greer for supporting a claim that Zionism is racism.
What was said
According to Daily Mail, a Green spokesperson said, “Depicting the Israeli flag with a blood‑covered swastika is grotesque and antisemitic… A serving MSP endorsing such imagery owes Scotland’s Jewish community an explanation and an unequivocal apology.” Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton was quoted as saying, “Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay should grow a backbone and suspend Ariane Burgess from the Scottish Greens.” Burgess herself said, “It has only come to my attention today… it appears this post was liked in error… I never want anyone to feel alienated, hurt or disappointed by my interactions on social media or in person.”
How it came about
The incident follows recent internal debate within the Scottish Greens over comments on Zionism, and follows earlier criticism of party leaders for alleged antisemitic positions, as reported by Felo News in its October 3 article on the Greens’ water‑nationalisation conference.
Key facts
- Ariane Burgess liked an antisemitic image showing the Israeli flag with a blood‑stained swastika. (dailymail.co.uk)
- The image was originally posted by former SNP and Green MSP John Finnie. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Jewish Council of Scotland called the material grotesque and antisemitic. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Burgess said the like was accidental and expressed regret. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton called for Burgess’ suspension. (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Green MSP facing demands to quit after endorsing antisemitic post”
