Report burning councillors suspended from SNP

The four SNP councillors filmed burning a copy of the Smith Commission's report on further devolution in December have been suspended from the party for two months.

The video, featuring former council leader Brian Lawson and councillors Will Mylet, Mags MacLaren and Kenny MacLaren setting fire to the document and putting it in a bin, was posted on the video website YouTube and later removed after outcry from political opponents. 

The SNP has now awarded a two months suspension, backdated to the beginning of December when the stunt was carried out.

SNP National Secretary Patrick Grady said: "It has been made clear to all that their actions fell far short of the high standard of debate expected by both public and party."

The Labour leader of Renfrewshire council Mark MacMillan said the action was a "feeble slap on the wrist" to his fellow councillors. 

“Burning the Smith Commission was a hugely symbolic gesture – for all the wrong reasons. It was insulting to every Scot who wants to leave the disagreements of the referendum behind and begin the journey of building the fairer and better and nation we all want to live in. For these members, their temporary break up with the SNP will be forgotten by Valentine's Day . It’s not a punishment, it’s a pardon,” he said.