THE Scottish Conservatives have condemned the “politicisation” of the poppy … unless they are the ones doing it.
SNP MSP Michelle Thomson has been rebuked by members of opposition parties for wearing a white version of the flower which featured the Yes logo at its centre.
Indeed, not content with Tory MSP Annie Wells deriding Thomson’s actions as “crass” the Scottish Conservatives decided to issue an official condemnation.
However, they voiced this critique from their official Twitter account – which featured the flower incorporated into their own undeniably political logo.
Ah, such is the folly of utilising the period of remembrance to lambast political colleagues.
— Poppy® Watch (@giantpoppywatch) November 8, 2022
Thomson explained that a Yes badge was used for affixing her white poppy after it fell apart.
But, according to the Royal British Legion, there was no need for such an explanation.
They claim that “there is no right or wrong way to wear a poppy".
“It is a matter of personal choice whether an individual chooses to wear a poppy and also how they choose to wear it.
“The best way to wear a poppy is to wear it with pride.”
Granted, the organisation also states that it should not be seen as a political or religious symbol but simply as an emblem of remembrance and hope.
So, what’s the Tories' excuse?
As far as we’re concerned there’s no issue with linking your political affiliations to your desire to remember those whose lives have been lost in war – as long as those affiliations don’t negate the meaning of the symbol itself.
READ MORE: Unionists fume as SNP MSP Michelle Thomson wears poppy with independence badge on
For example, one could say that the Scottish Conservatives' decision to change their logo to incorporate the Pride flag failed in this regard.
If Douglas Ross truly stood by his commitment to LGBT+ rights, would his local Pride organisation really release a statement which criticised him for meeting with LGBT+ organisations but failing “to follow through in any support to his constituents”?
Therein lies the trouble of flying a flag or wearing a flower in the pursuit of political capital: you have to back it up with action.
So, unless Michelle Thomson unilaterally declares war with France or announces there is no hope for humanity, she can rest easy knowing that the only legitimate accusation of hypocrisy is safely levelled at the Tories.
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