SNP leader in Westminster under investigation over Starmer mug stunt

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has launched an investigation into Stephen Flynn's use of taxpayer-funded stationery. Photo: UK Parliament/Andy Bailey/Pennsylvania

SNP leader in Westminster under investigation for misusing Commons stationery to mail mugs attacking Sir Keir Starmer.

Stephen Flynn handed out glasses under the slogan comparing Labor's support for a two-child allowance cap with the Chinese Communist Party's infamous one-child policy to reporters last month.

The mugs, designed to look like Labor's official merchandise, suggested that «family control» was the party's main policy and said, «What's the point of the Labor Party?»

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards opened an investigation into the use Mr. Flynn of taxpayer-funded stationery for this stunt.

In a note printed on the official Commons compliment letterhead and left inside the mugs, he wrote: “The Labor Party is producing a new line of mugs. They are made in China — like Keir Starmer's latest policy.»

Mr Flynn is being investigated under clause 8 of the House of Commons Code of Conduct which states: «Except for modest and reasonable personal use, Members shall ensure that the use of the premises and services made available to them by Parliament, including the office, is supported by their parliamentary activity and complies with all applicable regulations.»

Sir Keir Starmer with Labor supporters after his success in this year's council elections. Photo: LABOR PARTY/LABOUR PARTY

Sir Keir has faced serious criticism within his own party for promising not to lift the two-child allowance cap. which was introduced by conservatives in 2017.

The SNP campaigned against the policy, calling it a «rape clause» because mothers who have a third child through non-consensual intercourse must go through a process to show that it is so to get benefits. .

However, the SNP government has refused to use its own powers to effectively lift the two-child limit in Scotland, which would have been possible with delegated powers.

An SNP source called the investigation into Mr Flynn a «farce» and said, that it «shows Westminster at its most absurd.»

The source added: Worried that both the Tories and the Labor Party will support this policy, Westminster criticizes the SNP for daring to speak out.

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“Last year this shameful policy cost families in Scotland £95.7m and ordinary households lost £3235. up to £6,470 each, but instead of investigating the damage done and Labor's desire to support attacks on the poor, Westminster launched an investigation into the use of a tiny handful of paper, estimated to cost 2p.

«It tells you everything you need be aware of Westminster's distorted priorities.»