THE Tories have been roundly mocked for a “bizarre” new campaign poster which has almost too many things wrong with it to list.
The official Conservative Party account shared the new poster on social media on Thursday – and the backlash was swift.
The image claims: “Britain is the second most powerful country IN THE WORLD.”
The assertion – which any of us living in the UK and its severe cost-of-living crisis will have fair reason to question – is based on a story from the Express.
That paper reported: “According to Brand Finance's 2024 Global Soft Power Index, the UK has retained second place behind the US.”
How did the Tories represent being listed second in “soft power”? With fighter jets, of course.
As well as seven fighter jets, the poster also included the England football team. You know, the team that hasn’t won a trophy in more than half a century.
READ MORE: SNP succeed in bid to take over Unionist-run council after cut of cards
There was also a picture of King Charles – which is questionable in many ways – and British-American director Christopher Nolan. Fat chance they asked either of their permission.
Rishi Sunak rounds off the roster, which does not feature a single woman. It does feature an Aston Martin car however.
As political reporter Chloe Chaplain noted: “This advert is basically a lads mag but without the boobs?”
No women then, but the poster does also feature a large container ship: MSC Zoe. This ship was built in South Korea, sails under the flag of Panama, and is owned by a Swiss-based firm which was founded in Italy.
As a side note, the MSC Zoe lost hundreds of containers into the North Sea in 2019, including ones containing peroxide.
Quite how that demonstrates the strength of the UK is unclear.
The litany of issues with the Conservatives’ poster on the strength of the UK – complete with a massive Union flag – have not gone unnoticed.
As the That’s Devolved account pointed out: “That is the English, not the British football team. Each nation has its own football team.”
READ MORE: Scottish independence on global stage as film heads to New York
Broadcaster Gavin Esler added: “I didn't realise ‘Our Country’ as defined by the Conservative party is now one represented only by the England football team, but perhaps they have written off Scotland and Wales.
“I'm sure voters there will understand... (And as for Northern Ireland... clueless, as usual.)”
Campaigner Greg Mulhollan said: “I see the Tories don’t know the difference between the UK, Britain and England (so despite claiming to be pro-Union, are actively undermining it in Scotland and Wales).
“Another reason they’ll be largely wiped out in Scotland and Wales at the General Election.”
Emeritus professor of government Colin Talbot did not mince words, writing: “This is without doubt the single silliest political ‘poster’ from a major party I have seen in my 71 years.
“THE SECOND MOST POWERFUL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD? Who runs this account? A six year old?”
The Jouker has asked Buckingham Palace if they agreed to have the king on the poster, a feature which also did not go unnoticed.
Republican campaigner Graham Smith wrote: “Monarchy is part of a deeply conservative view of the country. But it seems bizarre that the Tories would actually use an image of Charles in their graphic.
“Are they suggesting an endorsement?”
At this point, surely, no one would seriously consider endorsing them.
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