A former Scottish Labour candidate in Orkney has publicly defended an SNP political rival following allegations concerning support for the banned organisation Palestine Action.

Mike Macleod, who previously stood for Holyrood as a Labour candidate in Orkney, has expressed personal solidarity with Robert Leslie and urged the SNP not to suspend him over the controversy.

His intervention follows reports questioning Leslie’s alleged support for Palestine Action, an organisation whose proscription under UK terrorism legislation remains the subject of a legal challenge.

Macleod has made clear that he is speaking in a personal capacity rather than on behalf of the Labour Party.

Despite their different political allegiances, the two men have attended demonstrations supporting Palestinian rights in Kirkwall, including vigils outside St Magnus Cathedral.

Macleod said:

“To the best of my knowledge and belief, Robert is a kind, good-natured fellow who would never support any kind of terrorism or political violence.

“Like me, he cares passionately about justice for Palestinians.

“I’ve often been proud to stand alongside Robert at the Palestine Vigil in front of St Magnus Cathedral, even as recently as two weeks ago, on Saturday 10 October.”

He also questioned whether Leslie had fully understood the continuing legal restrictions surrounding Palestine Action following a court ruling earlier this year.

Macleod added:

“Given that it was 13 February when an English Court ruled that the ban on Palestine Action under terrorism legislation was unlawful, Robert may not have appreciated on the 14th that the ban would remain in place while the UK Government appealed against the ruling.

“While the SNP is not my party, I would urge them not to suspend Robert.”

The legal position surrounding Palestine Action has undergone several developments since the organisation was proscribed in July 2025.

In February 2026, the High Court ruled that the decision to ban the organisation was unlawful, but the prohibition remained in force while the Government pursued an appeal.

The Court of Appeal subsequently overturned that ruling in June, finding that the proscription was lawful.

A further appeal is now before the UK Supreme Court, with hearings scheduled for 4 and 5 November.

Macleod has also criticised the wider consequences of the ban, raising concerns about the number of people arrested during demonstrations and the possibility of lengthy prison sentences.

He said:

“In the very worst-case scenario where the Supreme Court rules that the ban on Palestine Action is lawful, I will write personally to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary, asking them to give a Pardon to those who have been arrested and charged.

“There can be no conceivable public benefit to processing otherwise law-abiding old-age pensioners through the congested Court System, and then potentially imprisoning them for up to fourteen years.”

His support for Leslie also reflects their shared involvement in community activities beyond party politics.

Macleod concluded:

“And from Orkney’s perspective, instead of Robert languishing in a prison cell, it’s far better to have him out helping people with energy efficiency at THAW.”

The statement does not establish precisely what Leslie is alleged to have done, nor does it confirm that he has been charged with any offence.

It is also not clear from the material supplied whether the SNP has initiated disciplinary proceedings against him.

For Macleod, the immediate concern is that a political disagreement and an unresolved legal controversy should not overshadow what he regards as Leslie’s longstanding commitment to his community.