The Scottish National Party (SNP) has been accused of stoking anti-English sentiment with a statement that urged Scots to "raise a glass to Argentina" on the same day England was scheduled to play Argentina in a World Cup semi-final. The statement, issued by the SNP's press office in the name of Nationalist MSP George Adam, cited historic links between Scotland and Argentina and suggested the South American country's flag would be "draped in windows across the country."
While the statement claimed to mark the anniversary of Argentina granting geographical indication status to Scotch whisky, critics argued it was a thinly veiled attempt to antagonize England during a major sporting event. Adam stated, "There is no better day to raise a glass to Argentina and I’m sure Scottish households will be united today and well into the night as we mark this historic occasion." He also referenced the founding of the Argentine Football Association in 1893 by Alexander Watson Hutton, a Scot, to emphasize the enduring bonds between the two nations.
Alastair Cameron, chairman of the Scotland in Union campaign group, called the SNP's action a "puerile attempt... to wind up English people." He contended that such statements, while potentially framed as humor, foster resentment and bitterness among the SNP's core supporters and serve their agenda to break up the United Kingdom.
Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr echoed these sentiments, stating that while celebrating Scotch whisky's success is appropriate, the SNP's message was a "cheap attempt to try and stoke anti-English sentiment ahead of a major football match." The SNP statement also drew criticism for failing to acknowledge historical tensions between the UK and Argentina, such as the Falklands conflict in 1982, in which Scottish regiments participated.
This is not the first time the SNP has faced accusations of anti-English sentiment. Earlier in July, Nationalist MP Lara Bird expressed support for Mexico against England in another World Cup match, claiming Scots had become "passionate Mexican supporters." In 2022, the SNP's Orkney branch posted a social media message describing England as "oppressive" and "a murderous nation."
The anniversary of Argentina granting geographical indication status to Scotch whisky was on July 3, a week prior to the World Cup semi-final. The SNP statement was embargoed for release on the day of the match in Atlanta.
