Sturgeon urged to end sale of SNP face coverings

THE SNP has been urged to end an “inexcusable” attempt to profit from Covid, both financially and politically, by selling face coverings branded with the party’s logo.

Nicola Sturgeon last week accused Boris Johnson of tasteless “crowing” about the Union during the crisis, however her party has been criticised for raising funds from face coverings costing up to £14 each.

The online store selling the party’s official fundraising merchandise is currently selling eight different face coverings. Three are in SNP yellow, bearing the SNP logo; two are based on Saltires with the SNP logo, one of which also uses the party’s initials to spell out “Scottish N Proud”; two are in SNP tartan; and one is in white with a multicoloured Yes for independence logo.

Five coverings are described as “face masks” made from a breathable polyester and cotton mix with two “carbon filters” and are priced at £8 each.

The website says:

“The filters are shown to be effective in blocking the vast majority of airborne particles, however, this item is not classified as PPE.”

The other three coverings, priced at £14 each, are described as “multi-functional headwear” made from elastic breathable fabric.

The store is owned and run under licence by the Glasgow-based Business Incentives Group.

Conservative MSP Annie Wells said the SNP’S decision to cash in on the pandemic was “inexcusable”.

She said: “Nicola Sturgeon must ensure this stops and is never repeated. Any money made from this tasteless venture should be donated to causes fighting coronavirus and its ruinous impact.”

The SNP said: “Just like football clubs and many others, we’ve launched our own branded face coverings. We would encourage everyone to help suppress the virus by following the guidance on face coverings.”