A CALL FOR UNDERSTANDING AND UNITY
In my role as Chairman and President of the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, which also oversees the Buddhist Council, I have been asked to comment on recent remarks made by Murdo Fraser MSP, following the departure of Rangers FC manager, Russell Martin (writes NEIL LAL).
Mr Fraser’s post on social media – “No more vegans, Buddhists or Green Party members please @RangersFC” – sparked debate among Buddhists, vegans, and some environmentally conscious individuals.
As the lead organisation committed to representing and protecting diverse communities across Scotland and the UK, we felt it was important to independently assess the situation in a fair, measured and constructive manner.
Findings of Our Investigation:
After engaging with community leaders, interfaith representatives, and those mentioned in the comments, we undertook a thorough investigation to determine whether Murdo Fraser’s remarks constituted intentional racism, religious discrimination, or targeted exclusion.
We can now formally state the conclusion of our investigation:
Murdo Fraser MSP has been CLEARED of any intentional racism or discrimination.
Our findings indicate the comment was not posted with malice or deliberate prejudice. It was a remark made in the emotionally charged context of a sports discussion – a space where passions often run high and words, which are intended to be humorous, can be misinterpreted.
That does not remove the responsibility public figures carry, but it does offer context. We accept Mr Fraser’s remarks were not intended to target the Buddhist community, vegans, or supporters of the Green Party with hate or exclusion.
A Positive Way Forward:
Rather than fuelling division or prolonging misunderstanding, we believe this is a moment to encourage further dialogue.
To that end, we are extending a formal invitation to Murdo Fraser MSP to visit a Buddhist temple, where he will be welcomed by myself, as Chairman of the Indian Council, and by Mrs Warakant McLaughlin, Chair of the Buddhist Counciland Head Monk Samak.
Scotland is a proudly diverse and inclusive nation. At the Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, we champion unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
We believe in calling out intentional harm when it occurs, but we also believe in allowing space for reflection, conversation, and learning when offence is caused unintentionally. We also recognise that humour is also an important ingredient in public discourse.
From our perspective, this matter is concluded, and we look forward to a constructive and respectful engagement between Murdo Fraser MSP and the Buddhist community.
NEIL LAL
Chairman & President
Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom