In a House of Commons debate on 9 December 2010, Thomas Docherty, the Labour Member of Parliament for Dunfermline and West Fife accused Gray of directing a "racist remark" towards Willie Bain. Gray was alleged to have told McBain to "get back to Jockland". Gray responded: "I cannot imagine what sedentary remark the hon. Gentleman may have heard, but I am certain that had it been out of order in any shape, size or form, Mr Speaker, who was then in the Chair, would have picked me up on it. Further to that, as a Scot born, bred and educated, who never left the borders of Scotland until the age of 21, I think that unlike Docherty, I have the highest respect and love for my native heath. I would never say a single word against it."