YESTERDAY marked the fourth anniversary of indyref1 in Scotland, with plenty of posts on social media reflecting on the day.
While many made a renewed case for independence by highlighting that we had been sold a lie on the EU, perhaps the biggest contribution to the Yes movement came courtesy of Ross Thomson – and a clip that has 70,000 views.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon criticises Ross Thomson over 'pathetic' letter
The Scottish Tory MP couldn't resist posting a (vertical) video in a fairly unsuccessful attempt at trolling, and before we get on to the excellent responses, the content of his message is worth a look.
Flanked by three (3) Union flags, Thomson says: "I campaigned heart, head, body and soul in that campaign, and I am delighted that we voted to stay together.
🇬🇧🏴🗳 Four years ago today the people of Scotland voted decisively to stay in the United Kingdom. We are better off economically, politically and socially as part of the UK. In 2014 we said no, we meant no. The SNP should ditch their divisive #IndyRef2 plans. pic.twitter.com/GFSap3iapr
— Ross Thomson MP (@RossThomson_MP) September 18, 2018
"Since that day more powers have come to Scotland's Parliament ... and in leaving the European Union, even more powers over swathes of different areas will come to Holyrood, and decisions will be taken by MSPs."
The Scottish Tories are seemingly unaware that there's a slight row over a power grab going on?
Many powers currently exercised by Holyrood will be taken by Westminster when they return from the EU, but for some reason, Thomson doesn't see fit to mention that.
READ MORE: Twitter reaction to Tory MP Ross Thomson's bizarre vacuum claims
He goes on: "We have the best of both worlds. A strong Scottish Parliament within the United Kingdom, whereby over the past 300 years we have proven that we will always be stronger together economically, politically and socially."
Economically: when Westminster squandered away the potential of our oil? Politically: when Tory ministers refuse to meet with any Scottish politicians except their own? Socially: when we have to constantly battle against the UK's vile hostile environment immigration policy?
And the Tory MP has one final trick: "What better way to celebrate our anniversary on this 18th of September than to say yes to the Union, yes to the United Kingdom, and celebrate with a Great British teacake."
Eating a Tunnock's Teacake ... such excellent trolling, Ross. Surely the responses will be filled with riled Yessers?
Well, no... they calmly pointed out how ridiculous the points Ross was making were.
Here's a selection of the best responses.
1
What utter tripe. We are NOT better off economically, politically or socially. We are on the edge of disaster thanks to your bloody party in-fighting and lame-duck party leader. Get out of your self-interest bubble and btw, nothing has been as divisive as #Brexit
— Cameron McNeish (@CameronMcNeish) September 18, 2018
2
My husband is Belgian. Due to Brexit his disability, paid by Belgium, ends in March. He must leave Scotland, and me, to protect it. Please tell me how we are better off in the UK. I voted Yes. So did he. We would again if WM wasn't exiling us. Better together? Aye right.
— Sianna MacDonald (@SiannamacDonald) September 18, 2018
3
The people did vote, though hardly decisively & bought on the back of promises which then evaporated thanks to your party. How are we better off politically in a union that doesn’t respect us with government we didn’t vote for & cant get rid of if we tried? You’re a puppet.
— PoliticsScot (@PoliticsScot) September 18, 2018
4
'Decisively' is a lie, and you know it. Edin University post-vote analysis showed 37% of No voters wanted far greater powers for Scotland, and another 10% were divided on Yes or No. You're side is still in trouble, and you'd best not forget it.
— Grouse Beater (@Grouse_Beater) September 18, 2018
5
15 minutes given for SCO part of Withdrawal Bill. Fillibustered by UKGov minister. Not a single Scot MP allowed to speak. ENG MPs spend night boozing then roll in to vote against Scot interests. Explain to us how this is defined as better off, politically? pic.twitter.com/zRh8FklNZR
— Child of Alba 🏴 (@ChildOfAlba) September 18, 2018
6
You look a wee bit worried sonny🤔
— boomers@dgp4indy (@boomersdgp4indy) September 18, 2018
7
Better off:
— Rosie (@TheRosie) September 18, 2018
"Economically"-in a union that's over £2trillion in debt, going up by over £5000 per second.
"Politically"- Being dragged out of the EU against our will, no say in WM.
"Socially"-Racist attacks on the rise in the UK, 4.1million kids live in poverty.#Bettertogether https://t.co/PD0TAxB0gw
8
Where does this fit in Ross ?
— The Burly Dark Unavailable 🏴 (@MorphyJim) September 18, 2018
Deliberate sabotage of our country. pic.twitter.com/28mEYD25rZ
9
SNP will not stop the fight for independence but if, for any reason , they did then there are many of us who will run with the ball. Independence is a movement not a party.
— Rosie McGarvey Kane (@RosieMKane) September 18, 2018
10
Only one of these is true and even then only if you're not poor and I am not so sure it will be post Brexit.
— Rachel McCormack (@R_McCormack) September 19, 2018
But nice try Ross.
11
Democracy isn't a one off event, we, the people of Scotland, will decide if we want to hold another referendum not the branch offce of a minority party which 78% of Scots rejected.
— Lisbon Lion (@tirnaog09) September 18, 2018
12
Not that decisive. I voted No and regretted it ever since England shafted us over our EU membership. I would not only change my vote to a Yes, but I'd also be campaigning passionately. #Indyref2
— Stu Nimmo (@stunimmo) September 19, 2018
13
If 55% - 45% a decisive number as you say what do you call 62%. - 38%?
— Kevvo (@kjm1468) September 18, 2018
How are we better off in this supposed union of equals if our voice is ignored?
14
Four years ago today the people of Scotland voted decisively to stay in the EU!!
— Lady J of Tay (@brawday) September 18, 2018
15
If you think that's bad you should see his bathroom. Union Jackery mirrors and on all surfaces. Speakers playing Thatcher on a loop along with Dame Vera Lynn. Nicola Sturgeon toilet roll and when you flush the bog it plays Rule Britannia.
— sugarsheds (@sugarsheds) September 18, 2018
16
Yep! He really tweeted that - "better off economically, politically and socially as part of the UK" https://t.co/DqCZkdJAtj
— Graham Purnell (@gwpurnell) September 18, 2018
17
Ross Thomson isn't trying to win people over by force of argument. He's trolling everybody, Conservatives included. He knows he's irritating you. He's trying to irritate you. It gives him a perverse pleasure 1/2 https://t.co/DqCZkdJAtj
— Graham Purnell (@gwpurnell) September 18, 2018
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