A SCOTTISH Tory has been panned for his “bizarre” claim that the coronavirus crisis is an advert for the strength of the Union.
In a blog post, Andrew Bowie criticizes the Scottish Government for “demonstrating its independence” during the pandemic instead of accepting a UK-wide approach.
The West Aberdeenshire MP writes: “Together our Union has fought this virus. Together, we have supported one another.
“And together we will fight the economic fall out to come. Over the last few years, the strength of our union has been tested as never before.
“It has proven itself to be as solid as the rocks on which these islands are built."
READ MORE: Tory MP Andrew Bowie says virus has proven UK's strength
He adds: “The state of our Union is strong. Let us move forward together – putting the differences of the last decade behind us as we build a new Britain – Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
The SNP were forced once again to remind Tory politicians not to try to use the coronavirus crisis as an argument against independence after Jackson Carlaw claimed it would “look ridiculous” for the SNP to run on a pro-Yes platform after the pandemic.
READ MORE: Jackson Carlaw suggests Covid-19 crisis will harm case for independence
Commenting on Bowie’s blog, an SNP spokesman told the Scotsman: “It is utterly bizarre – and completely inappropriate – that senior Tories keep trying to politicise the coronavirus crisis to turn it into a debate about independence.
“The First Minister and the SNP government are fully focused on tackling the current health crisis and the impact on jobs and incomes.
“The public will rightly expect all politicians to be doing the same – not making tone-deaf attacks on the principle of devolution.”
Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. It’s no exaggeration to say that the future of The National is at stake. Please consider supporting us through this with a digital subscription from just £2 for 2 months by following this link: http://www.thenational.scot/subscribe. Thanks – and stay safe.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel