New Times,
New Thinking.

The SNP’s hypocrisy on “politicising“ sporting occasions

Nicola Sturgeon attacks David Cameron for speaking at the Olympic Stadium but has she forgotten Alex Salmond's Wimbledon antics?

By George Eaton

The SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon has responded to David Cameron’s speech at the Olympic Stadium on the case for the UK by declaring that “to politicise any sporting occasion is shameful.” The deputy first minister said: 

Using the Olympic stadium on the day the Winter Olympics begin and seeking to invoke the successes of London 2012 as an argument against Scotland taking its future into its own hands, it betrays the extent of the jitters now running through the No campaign.

They see the polls closing and they are clearly rattled – but to politicise any sporting occasion is shameful.

That may all be true, but has Sturgeon already forgotten Alex Salmond’s shameless attempt to politicise Andy Murray’s Wimbledon victory last summer? 

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
Homes for all: how can Labour shape the future of UK housing?
The UK’s skills shortfall is undermining growth
<strong>What kind of tax reforms would stimulate growth?</strong>