“A NEW Unionist project.”
That was the threat – sorry, explanation from former Tony Blair adviser John McTernan of what’s to come under Keir Starmer after some bizarre flag-dressing in his victory speech.
As Starmer nailed his colours to the mast on a new era for Britain, etc, etc, it was impossible not to notice a selection of saltires being waved behind him.
Among the many Union Jacks was a blatant number of Scottish flags – far more visible than any Welsh dragons.
READ MORE: Labour's Jonathan Ashworth loses seat to pro-Palestine candidate
In fact, so blatant was it that Martin Geissler, covering the election for BBC Scotland, immediately put it to Tony Blair’s former adviser John McTernan in the aftermath of the speech.
Geissler said: “John McTernan, I’ll tell you one thing I noticed there. These audiences, this scene-dressing, human scene-dressing, is not done by chance.
“And the crowds there, lots of Union Jacks, but a lot of Scotland flags – and a Welsh flag, the first one I’ve saw – very, very cleverly positioned.”
Political correspondent Brian Taylor described it as “conscious choreography”.
READ MORE: General Election updates: Scottish seats declared
Responding to Geissler, McTernan said: “One Nation Party – we want to be the party of the United Kingdom.”
Geissler pressed him: “But do you know what, that wasn’t the message. It was 'here’s Scotland. This is a message we’re sending now'.”
After saying that the route for a Labour government runs through Scotland, McTernan (above) went on: “[Starmer] will be back. He will be back often. Angela Rayner will be back.
“And I think Great British Energy will be the powerhouse of a new Unionist project.”
So, readers, you can draw your own conclusions. A top Labour spinner saying the Scotland-based Great British Energy will be the powerhouse of a new Unionist project, as Starmer stuffs saltires behind him in his speech.
Meanwhile, former Scotland in Union chief Pamela Nash and Better Together stalwart Blair McDougall will be sitting on Starmer's benches.
When Starmer and Rayner are "back", will they be bringing some bolt-cutters and Saltire balaclavas, or will this heist be more in the open?
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