A TORY MSP has apologised “wholeheartedly” after suggesting Nicola Sturgeon was anti-English in a heckle at FMQs.

Tess White withdrew her remark after the First Minister made an unprecedented complaint to the Presiding Officer about the “unacceptable” comment.

However the rookie North East list MSP escaped any sanction over the row.

A grim-looking Ms White told the chamber: “My comments during First Minister’s Questions were over the line and I would like to withdraw them and apologise to both the chamber and the First Minister.”

PO Alison Johnstone thanked Ms White for reflecting on her remarks, but then double-checked that the brief apology had been sincere. 

“You will be in doubt at all, Ms White, that great offence was caused, and I would like to be absolutely certain that that is an unambiguous apology, that you withdraw the remarks, and that you apologise wholeheartedly.

"Can you please stand and confirm that that is indeed the case.”

Standing, Ms White said: “I confirm, Presiding Officer.”

Ms Johnstone added: “I would just like to say further that the fact that, on this occasion, no further action will be taken does not in any way detract from the seriousness with which I view this incident. Members muist be in no doubt at all that I expect that their conduct at all times will be worthy of that of a member of the Scottish Parliament.” 

It followed Ms Sturgeon reacting furiously to Ms White's comments at FMQs. 

Looking visibly stunned, Ms Sturgeon said she was “deeply offended” and “aggrieved” that any MSP would make such an “unacceptable” comment.

She said it was especially inappropriate given she had been responding to a question about anti-Irish racism at FMQs at the time.

The row broke out after Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: “I take the view that anybody who chooses to live in Scotland, whether they and their families have been here for generations or whether they have come to Scotland very recently, this is their home."

Ms White, who had clashed with Ms Sturgeon minutes earlier over NHS services, then interjected with words to the effect of “unless you’re English”.

As SNP MSPs reacted in shock with cries of “unbelievable”, PO Alison Johnstone told the chamber: “I would be grateful if members, at all times in this chamber, remember that we are privileged to represent the people of Scotland and that at all times in this chamber, we treat one another with great dignity and respect. 

“And I would be grateful if we could hear the First Minister.”

 

The Herald:

Ms Sturgeon replied: “Presiding Officer, I have just had a comment made to me from a sedentary position.

“I would not normally do this, but I am so deeply offended by the comment that I do want, after the session, to take it up with you. 

“So that, with your permission, the member may be asked to reflect on that and to withdraw that comment.

“It was a comment that would have been unacceptable, unacceptable in any context, but in the context of what we are discussing here, right now, I am deeply aggrieved that any member thought that was an appropriate thing to say.” 

Returning to the original question from Labour MSP Pauline McNeill, she added pointedly: “All of us, all of us, have a duty to stand against racism, prejudice and bigotry.

"I dedicate myself, not just as First Minister, but as a citizen of this country to always doing so.

“And I look forward to working with anybody who stands with me and with people across Scotland in that.”

The First Minister’s official spokesman later confirmed Ms Sturgeon had raised the matter in person with the PO immediately after FMQs.

It is understood to be the first time Ms Sturgeon has ever complained about a heckle in the chamber, which is often noisy.

Her spokesman said the remark was “reprehensible” and had “crossed a line”.