Today via CommonSocial, Twitter and Facebook we asked for your responses to our #CommonDebate feature
AS part of Scotland’s new media, what you think about the news is a top priority for CommonSpace – we want to know how you feel about major news stories, and what events you think should be getting attention.
Your views on news issues are incredibly important to us, and we want you to be involved every step of the way. Whenever there’s a big question or issue drawing public attention, we’ll use the #CommonDebate hashtag to make sure your voice is heard.
Comments made by Theresa May and several members of the Conservative cabinet at the party’s conference in Birmingham have been widely condemned on social media. The SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party have issued a joint statement describing the Conservative stance on immigration as ‘toxic’. Today’s #CommonDebate question was: ‘As Scots politicians unite to condemn Tory statements on immigration, how harmful is xenophobic rhetoric to Scotland's relationship with the EU?’
One user who responded felt that any harmful impression would be mitigated by making clear that the attitudes expressed were not representative:
@TheCommonSpace Can't see it harming Scotland's EU relationship so long as we're clear it's not in our name. #CommonDebate
— Dr Craig Dalzell (@thecommongreen) October 5, 2016
However, Dr Dalzell also added that the recent comments made by senior Conservative party members could have an impact on #Brexit negotations:
@TheCommonSpace But it's a 'brave' PM that says this is what they want then kicks off talks with an EU built on the foundation of solidarity
— Dr Craig Dalzell (@thecommongreen) October 5, 2016
Another user questioned if the condemnation from Scottish politicians was universal.
@TheCommonSpace Have all condemned, has Kexia, Ruth?Genuine Q
— ann (@liz6153) October 5, 2016
While CommonSpace reported this morning that Kezia Dugdale had spoken out against both the Conservative comments and the UK Labour response on social media which indicated support for even harsher measures, one user highlighted that Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, had not.
@liz6153 @TheCommonSpace Kez has, to be fair, but Ruthie is too busy chittering to Andrew Neil and trying to get on Strictly.
— Milady (@macelven) October 5, 2016
However, this user felt that Dugdale’s social media response was not as substantial as an official statement.
@liz6153 @TheCommonSpace It was only a tweet mind you, not seen anything of substance like SLab press release or anything!
— Milady (@macelven) October 5, 2016
We’d like to thank everyone who responded, and encourage you all to get involved in our next #CommonDebate on CommonSocial, Twitter or Facebook, or even tell us what you think about the latest question in the comments below.
Picture courtesy of Rasande Tyskar
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