Scottish Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw will today mark the 40th anniversary of the Brighton bomb by hosting a debate in parliament.
The member for Eastwood, who was present at the Conservative Party conference when the blast occurred, described it as a harrowing attempt by the IRA to “wipe out” the democratically elected government of the United Kingdom.
Donald MacLean, president of the Scottish Conservatives at the time, was severely injured in the attack, which killed five people. His wife, Muriel, was one of those who died.
Today’s Members’ Business debate will remember those who lost their lives in the bombing and the “courage” of those who survived.
Scottish Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw said: “Regardless of their politics, I’m sure MSPs of all parties will want to stand in solidarity against this senseless act of violence.
“When the IRA planted a bomb in the Grand Hotel, they intended to wipe out the democratically elected government of the United Kingdom, which is simply unacceptable.
“I have carried the harrowing memories of that night with me for 40 years, as have all those who were there. I particularly recall the courage and determination of then-leader Margaret Thatcher in the aftermath.
“The pain of knowing we had lost one of our own – in Muriel MacLean – bludgeoned into me that night a deep seated and lifelong determination that terrorism must never succeed. It must be resisted and must always be defeated, wherever and whenever it strikes.”
Notes
Jackson’s motion can be found here (link).