Greens hit back in row over MSP’s visa status

THE Scottish Greens have hit back after concerns were raised on social media about the visa status of one of their new MSPs.

Q Manivannan made history when they were elected in Edinburgh and Lothians East on Friday – becoming one of the first two, alongside Glasgow list MSP Iris Duane, transgender MSPs in the history of Holyrood.

Addressing a crowd of cheering party supporters after the results were announced in Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre, Manivannan – who is non-binary – said: “My name is Dr Q Manivannan, I am a transgender Tamil immigrant, my pronouns are they/them.

“I am to some in this country everything that the hateful despise, and I am standing here as your MSP now with care.”

Since then, many social media users have falsely questioned whether the PHD student – who is on a student visa and isn’t a UK citizen – could legally stand, sending them hateful messages and abuse in the process.

In 2020, the Scottish Parliament passed the Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act, which allowed anyone with the right to live in the UK, including those with a temporary right to vote, to stand as a candidate in Scottish elections.

The Scottish Daily Mail previously reported on how Manivannan had launched a fundraiser to help cover the costs for a new graduate visa.

But yesterday – amid wide speculation online and hateful attacks on Manivannan, pictured, – the Scottish Greens issued a statement.

“The Scottish Greens are proud of our record election result and to have Q elected to represent Edinburgh and Lothians East,” a spokesperson said. “The Scottish Parliament rightly and explicitly chose to permit everyone with the right to live here to stand in elections, including new Scots on visas.”

They added: “Q is on a valid visa with the right to work and live in Scotland, and is a Commonwealth citizen.

“The UK’s visa system is needlessly expensive and hostile, and we are determined to replace it with one that welcomes people with care rather than throwing up hurdles and barriers.”