A TORY MSP has issued an apology to Holyrood’s Presiding Officer claiming he “inadvertently” breached the Parliament’s rules by filming within the chamber.
Douglas Lumsden became the subject of an internal probe, revealed by The National on Wednesday, after a video taken by an MSP of a gender critical protester “flashing” was leaked to the press.
The Parliament’s Presiding Officer – Alison Johnstone – was “extremely concerned that footage showing an incident which took place after parliamentary proceedings had been suspended to deal with disruption in the gallery has been shared widely”.
Police are also currently probing the incident which saw activist Elaine Miller flash her genital area from the public gallery, revealing a pubic wig – or “merkin”.
Amid the backlash, Lumsden was forced to apologise for his role in filming the incident. He told the Daily Express that he had done so “instinctively”.
“In what was a dramatic moment in the chamber that produced gasps all around, I reacted instinctively by reaching for my phone.
“I apologise to the Presiding Officer for inadvertently breaching parliamentary guidance.”
Video of the incident from the Scottish Parliament’s official broadcast shows that, ahead of the gender critical activists' protest, the chamber was engaged in applause following the successful passing of the bill.
Almost immediately after Johnstone had called for quiet in the chamber, the first dissenting shout of “shame on you” could be heard. As the chamber and feed were suspended, Lumsden could be seen filming the incident.
Guidance published alongside the MSPs' code of conduct says that they should not use digital devices to “take photographs, to record proceedings or to make telephone calls”.
However, the Parliament website says this guidance "does not form part of the code and is not enforceable".
