SNP’s Humza Yousaf facing ‘code breach’ allegations over family’s escape from Gaza (Image: Getty)
MP is facing claims of breaching the ministerial code after allegedly using his First Minister office to push for his in-laws to be put on a “priority list” for evacuation from Gaza.
former First Minister engaged with the over concerns about his parents-in-law, who were stranded in Gaza, and was informed they were placed on a “priority list” for evacuation from the conflict zone.
Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla were eventually rescued from Gaza with the help of the Turkish Government, which also extended an offer to accept them as refugees.
During the process, Nadia El-Nakla met with Turkish President wife to discuss their situation.
Documents obtained through freedom of information requests revealed the former First Minister’s office had lobbied Foreign Office officials and ministers to highlight the urgency of his wife’s parents’ situation.
His parents-in-law Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla were trapped in Gaza (Image: PA)
The El-Naklas were among many British citizens trapped in Gaza following the closure of the Rafah crossing.
According to a report by , Mr Yousaf had a phone conversation with , the then-Foreign Secretary, on November 1, during which he was informed that his family had been added to the “priority list” of those seeking to escape Gaza.
Two days later, it was confirmed that the El-Naklas had safely crossed out of Gaza via the Rafah crossing.
It was later disclosed that the former First Minister had previously secured a call with Lord Ahmed, the Minister for the Middle East, on October 10 – just three days after the Hamas attacks.
DON’T MISS [COMMENT]
Israeli attacks on Gaza continue (Image: Getty)
Scottish Tory MSP Stephen Kerr, former member of the Holyrood Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments, called for a probe into this. He said: “Of course I understand the human dimension of this but it appears that Humza Yousaf has clearly sailed right over the line in breach of the ministerial code. There are questions to answer.”
He highlighted the Nolan Principles that state nobody in public office should ever use their office to advantage their family and friends.
A Scottish government spokesman said the suggestion that Yousaf secured preferential treatment was “completely untrue”.
He said: “The former first minister consistently sought assurances that the UK government was doing everything it could to ensure the safety of all British citizens in Gaza.
“The former First Minister made the permanent secretary aware of the situation with his family immediately that it arose. It was also widely and publicly known.”