Swinney has “no intention” of launching an investigation into Yousaf’s behavior toward his in-laws

First Minister John Swinney will not order an investigation into his predecessor’s behavior when his in-laws were stranded in Gaza.

Senior Tory MP Stephen Kerr called for an investigation on Monday after reports emerged that Humza Yousaf lobbied the British government to help Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla – his wife’s parents – escape the territory .

The couple had been visiting relatives in the region when Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7, prompting long-lasting Israeli retaliation amid fears it could spark a wider war in the Middle East.

But speaking to the PA news agency in Perth on Monday, the First Minister said he would not order an investigation into Mr Yousaf, describing the former First Minister’s actions as “normal, routine government business”.

“I think it’s important to focus on the central point of this whole story, which is the fact that we had citizens from this country who were trapped in a terrible conflict in Gaza and needed to be helped to be brought home become. ” he said.

Asked specifically whether he would order an investigation under the ministerial code, Mr Swinney said: “I have no intention of doing so.”

The First Minister compared Mr Yousaf’s actions to those of his own government in response to ongoing hostilities in Lebanon.

“We have been in touch with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on this issue of Lebanon, just as the public would expect me to, just as they would expect my predecessor to keep in touch on the situation in Gaza .” he said.

“So this is the normal routine business of a government where your citizens are held in a difficult conflict situation and you are doing your best to get them out.”

The former first minister has also narrowly denied the allegations of wrongdoing, saying on Gaza and Lebanon are exposed.”

“As the FOIs show, I have never made a single request for preferential treatment for my in-laws. They left with other British nationals.”

Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph newspaper, Mr Kerr, who was a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee until earlier this year, said that while Mr Yousaf’s “motives” should not be questioned, “we but have every right to question his methods.” “.