[ad_1]
SNP Westminster leader had to issue an apology and delete a tweet after sparking outrage with his baseless accusations. Scottish leader Lib Dem Willie Rennie accused Blackford of stoking anti-English sentiment in Scotland with his misjudged comments and there was a fierce reaction on Twitter.
The extraordinary dispute erupted when Blackford took to social media to criticize photographer Ollie Taylor, who had posted a stunning image of the northern lights he had taken from Caithness, in the far north of Scotland.
Commenting on the image, Mr Blackford said: “As you live in the south of England and travel to Scotland for permitted reasons only, I am sure there will be a valid reason why you will be posting a photo of northern Scotland one last time . night?”
But he was forced to delete the tweet and apologize when it emerged that Taylor was living in Scotland after moving there to work on locations for a new photography book.
Blackford said: “I will continue to advocate for my constituents who frequently raise these concerns with me, but I acknowledge that it was wrong to consult a person on Twitter and I apologize to @OllieTPhoto for my previous post, which I have deleted.
“As a local MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, I know that my constituents are very convinced of the breaking of travel restrictions that we see in the highlands and islands, putting people’s lives and our public services at risk. “.
But the original tweet was taken over by critics of Blackford and the SNP.
READ MORE: SNP’s Blackford triggers backlash for ‘right-wingers’ who ignore science
Mr Rennie said: “Ian Blackford should immediately apologize for this clumsy tweet that accused a private citizen of breaking travel restrictions when he had no evidence to do so.
“Blackford, a high-ranking politician, has messed with him and harassed him because he thinks he is English.
Other people on Twitter have shown Blackford wrong to accuse this private citizen.
“Ian Blackford has a way for his comments about the people of England meeting in Scotland.
“This behavior could only increase the problems of anti-English sentiment in Scotland.
“I have warned that this should be condemned, but Ian Blackford is only making it worse.”
Another said: “Would Mr. Blackford fall against Humza Yusaf’s Hate Bill? A public figure who creates hostility towards someone for political gain?”
And another tweeted: “My God, Ian Blackford has chosen to remove his malevolent and aggressive threat to a normal guy who respects the law and lives his life.”
“2020 sees our elected representatives totally go above the mark!”
[ad_2]
