SNP attacked for ‘aggressive’ virus message to the English

THE SNP has been accused of making English people feel uncomfortable after tweeting a Covid graphic with “Scotland isn’t England” messaging.

A nationalist MP prompted an online row earlier this week after posting a graphic via his social media account which read: “No mask, no Scotland. If you’re visiting us this summer, wear a mask. Scotland isn’t England. Our laws are different.”

Douglas Chapman, the Westminster MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, shared the image, captioned “Thank you for your co-operation. #Loveu”.

However, Stephen Kerr, a Tory member of the Holyrood parliament, claimed the post shows the SNP is “determined to make English people feel uncomfortable” when visiting north of the border.

The post follows increased concern from devolved administrations that much of the UK media has an “Englandcentric” understanding of “freedom day”, despite restrictions still being in place in all other home nations.

In Scotland, masks must still be worn on public transport and in shops, pubs and restaurants when not seated and Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, has warned the rules will “in all likelihood” remain for some time.

Mr Chapman added the Scottish Government website to the graphic, although a spokesman confirmed it is not an official government graphic.

Mr Kerr added: “I understand the importance of spreading the message ... but surely we can do that without combative, aggressive messages.”