31 Jan 2020
An SNP MSP has been criticised after he referred to Brexit voters as “little Englanders”.
Richard Lochhead, until recently a senior Scottish Government cabinet secretary, used the “inflammatory” phrase in a statement about the UK formally leaving the EU.
Mr Lochhead represents Moray, an area in which nearly 50 per cent of residents voted to leave.
And even Mr Lochhead’s SNP parliamentary colleague, Alex Neil, voted for Brexit.
The former rural affairs secretary said today: “The Little Englanders and their opportunist bedfellows in the Conservative Party are inflicting the biggest economic dislocation on Scotland for generations.”
Scottish Conservative Moray MP Douglas Ross said:
“This is an incredible attack from someone in a position of responsibility.
“He seems to forget one million Scots – including many SNP supporters – voted for Brexit, including nearly 50 per cent of people in Moray.
“His use of the term ‘little Englanders’ is inflammatory and dangerous and – if political opponents used that kind of language – the SNP would be up in arms.
“But like so many statements by nationalist politicians, it is aimed at stoking up feelings among extremists in the hope of creating a gulf between Scotland and England.
“It’s hugely irresponsible, and will never work.”
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