Apologises over fake Raab tweet
from the Brexit Secretary saying: “SNP need to stop playing constitutional politics with Brexit. If we work together the Conservatives will deliver a successful deal for all England’s regions, including Scotland.”
Mr Blackford reacted with fury, sharing the fake image and adding: “If Raab foolishly sees Scotland as a region of England it is little wonder that many of us have real concerns as to the lack of respect being shown towards Scotland and our parliament.”
A spokesman for Mr Raab’s Department for Exiting the EU denied any such tweet was sent.
The cabinet secretary later issued a personal confirmation, posting: “Happy to confirm this is a fake tweet.”
Initially, Mr Blackford insisted the post was genuinine despite fellow Twitter users suggesting it was a hoax, with no sign of the message captured in the image appearing anywhere on Mr Raab’s account. Later, the SNP MP responded directly to the Brexit Secretary, writing: “Sorry to see you were targeted in this way Dominic, appreciate you confirming it is a fake and of course I withdraw my response to this fake tweet.”
SNP figures like the former MP Mike Weir were also taken in by the hoax, and a number of Mr Blackford’s party colleagues were still being duped by the fake tweet the following morning.
The Nationalist MSP Stewart Stevenson shared the fake post at 9am yesterday , commenting: “A true reflection of Tory attitude to Scotland - we are just a region of England.”