Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has made a thinly-veiled attack on the Scottish Government and the SNP, over their use of the Saltire and handling of the Homecoming 2009 celebrations.
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has made a thinly-veiled attack on the Scottish Government and the SNP, over their use of the Saltire and handling of the Homecoming 2009 celebrations.
In his first New Year Message in his post, the Labour MP has said the flag is for every Scot. He also said he will work to make Homecoming a success with government colleagues at Westminster, despite not being offered a role by the First Minister. He rounded off by emphasising the benefits of the union against the independence aims of the SNP.
The Scottish Government responded by denying any overt political use of the Saltire and stated that Home-coming is a tourist and business initiative.
Mr Murphy said: "Scots the world over are proud of their heritage. I want to rally round the Saltire, which belongs to every Scot, regardless of our politics, to bring the diaspora home both for tourism and for business. As we enter this difficult year I will redouble my efforts to work with anyone to promote the interests of Scotland. I haven't been asked to support the Homecoming but, despite this, I will do all I can. That is why I have been in discussions with David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, about how the international network of British embassies could promote the Homecoming.
"We know there remain two different visions for Scotland. The SNP government believe Scotland would be better off separate from the UK while most Scots believe that we are stronger as part of the UK."
The Scottish Government rebutted any suggestion it had appropriated the Saltire. A spokesman said: "No self-respecting, confident Scot regards the Saltire as anything other than the national flag - for all Scots regardless of their political views or affiliations."
