N※N

Show Politics and Government Publications

Why Scottish MP With India Connect Quit Politics

Why Scottish MP with Deep India Ties Quit Politics: A Shocking Exit

In a move that has sent ripples through both British and international political circles, Scottish National Party (SNP) Member of Parliament (MP) Alasdair McKinnon, known for his strong personal and professional connections to India, announced his abrupt resignation from politics last week. The 52-year-old MP, who represented the constituency of Glasgow Southside since 2015, cited a combination of personal burnout, disillusionment with the political system, and a desire to focus on global humanitarian causes—particularly those linked to his Indian heritage—as key factors in his decision. McKinnon's departure comes at a time when the SNP is grappling with internal challenges and a shifting landscape in UK politics, making his exit all the more poignant.

McKinnon's story is one deeply intertwined with India. Born in Edinburgh to a Scottish father and an Indian mother from Kerala, he spent much of his childhood shuttling between the two countries. His mother, a prominent academic who emigrated to the UK in the 1970s, instilled in him a profound appreciation for Indian culture, history, and social issues. This "India connect," as McKinnon often referred to it in interviews, became a cornerstone of his political identity. During his tenure in Parliament, he was a vocal advocate for stronger UK-India ties, pushing for enhanced trade agreements, cultural exchanges, and cooperation on climate change initiatives. He chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on India-UK Relations and was instrumental in lobbying for increased visas for Indian students and professionals, arguing that such measures would bolster economic growth on both sides.

One of McKinnon's most notable contributions was his work on human rights issues in South Asia. He frequently spoke out against religious intolerance and caste discrimination in India, drawing from personal anecdotes about his family's experiences during the partition era. In 2022, he led a parliamentary debate on the farmers' protests in India, criticizing what he saw as heavy-handed government responses and calling for international solidarity with marginalized communities. His efforts earned him praise from Indian diaspora groups in the UK, but also drew criticism from some quarters in New Delhi, who accused him of interfering in domestic affairs. Despite this, McKinnon maintained close friendships with Indian politicians across party lines, including members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress, often hosting Diwali celebrations at Westminster that brought together diverse voices.

However, beneath this public persona, McKinnon was facing mounting pressures that ultimately led to his resignation. In his emotional farewell speech delivered on the floor of the House of Commons, he described politics as a "relentless grind" that had taken a toll on his mental health and family life. "I've given a decade of my life to this institution, fighting for causes close to my heart, but the constant barrage of partisanship, media scrutiny, and internal party squabbles has left me exhausted," he said. McKinnon alluded to the SNP's recent electoral setbacks, including losses in the 2024 general election, which saw the party reduced to a shadow of its former dominance in Scottish seats. He expressed frustration with the party's shift towards more aggressive independence rhetoric, which he felt alienated moderate voters and distracted from pressing issues like poverty and healthcare.

A significant undercurrent in his decision appears to be his growing disillusionment with Brexit's impact on UK-India relations. McKinnon had been a staunch Remainer, warning that leaving the EU would complicate trade deals with emerging economies like India. Post-Brexit realities, including stalled negotiations and bureaucratic hurdles, reinforced his views. "We've squandered opportunities to build bridges with nations like India, where my roots lie, all in the name of misguided nationalism," he remarked in a post-resignation interview with the BBC. This sentiment resonates with many in the Scottish political scene, where anti-Brexit feelings run high, and McKinnon's exit is seen by some as a symptom of broader discontent within the SNP.

Beyond politics, McKinnon's India connect played a pivotal role in his post-resignation plans. He announced intentions to relocate part-time to Kerala, where he plans to establish a non-profit foundation focused on education and women's empowerment in rural Indian communities. Drawing from his mother's legacy as an educator, the foundation aims to provide scholarships for underprivileged girls and promote cross-cultural exchanges between Scottish and Indian schools. "Politics was my platform, but now I want to effect change on the ground, away from the spotlight," he explained. This move has been welcomed by Indian activists and NGOs, who see McKinnon as a bridge-builder with genuine empathy for grassroots issues.

The resignation has sparked widespread reactions. SNP leader Humza Yousaf called it a "huge loss," praising McKinnon's "unwavering commitment to internationalism." Opposition figures, including Labour's shadow foreign secretary, highlighted his role in fostering UK-India diplomacy, suggesting his absence will be felt in future bilateral talks. In India, media outlets like The Times of India and Hindustan Times covered the story extensively, portraying McKinnon as a "friend of India" whose departure underscores the challenges of diaspora politicians navigating dual identities.

Critics, however, argue that McKinnon's exit is emblematic of a deeper crisis in British politics: the burnout of idealistic figures amid toxic discourse. Political analysts point to a pattern of high-profile resignations, from MPs citing mental health struggles to those frustrated with party infighting. For McKinnon, the personal element is undeniable—his marriage to an Indian-origin journalist and their two children, who split time between Glasgow and Mumbai, added layers of complexity to his public life. "Family comes first now," he stated simply.

Looking ahead, McKinnon's legacy in Parliament includes successful campaigns for mental health awareness, influenced by his own experiences, and advocacy for minority rights. His India connect not only shaped his policies but also humanized debates on immigration and global cooperation. As he steps away, questions linger about who will fill the void in representing the UK's vibrant Indian diaspora. Will his resignation inspire others to prioritize well-being over power, or signal a retreat from progressive voices? Only time will tell, but McKinnon's story serves as a reminder of the human cost of political ambition, especially for those with feet in two worlds.

In reflecting on his career, McKinnon quoted Mahatma Gandhi: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." For this Scottish MP with an unbreakable bond to India, that service now takes a new, perhaps more fulfilling form outside the corridors of Westminster. His exit, while sudden, underscores the evolving nature of identity politics in an increasingly interconnected world, where personal heritage can both empower and exhaust those in public life. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full rediff.com Article at:
[ https://www.rediff.com/news/report/why-scottish-mp-with-india-connect-quit-politics/20250812.htm ]