SNP hit by anti-English storm after calling on Scots to 'raise a glass to Argentina' tonight

By MICHAEL BLACKLEY, SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 00:23, 15 July 2026 | Updated: 00:23, 15 July 2026 The SNP has been accused of stoking anti-English sentiment after urging people to ‘raise a glass to Argentina’ on the day of the World Cup semi final. A statement issued by the SNP’s press office hailed the historic links between Scotland and Argentina and claimed the South American country’s flag will be ‘draped in windows across the country’ today. While the statement – in the name of Nationalist MSP George Adam – claimed to be marking the anniversary of Argentina granting geographical indication status to Scotch whisky, it strongly alluded to England’s clash with the World Cup holders tonight. Mr Adam, MSP for Paisley and a former parliamentary business minister, said: ‘There is no better day to raise a glass to Argentina and I’m sure Scottish households will be united today and well into the night as we mark this historic occasion. ‘One year on since Argentina gave its seal of approval to our premier product, it won’t be lost on anyone the number of Argentina flags draped in windows across the country as we celebrate that one year anniversary.’ He added: ‘The links between Argentina and Scotland dial way back to 1893 when Alexander Watson Hutton founded the Argentine football association – here in 2026 it’s clear the bonds between our two nations remain as tightly bound as ever. ‘Scotch whisky is something that we can all be proud of and it is only right that people across Scotland rejoice with our Argentinian friends this evening.’ Alastair Cameron, chairman of the Scotland in Union campaign group, said: ‘This is a puerile attempt by the SNP to wind up English people. George Adam MSP has asked Scots to 'raise a glass to Argentina' England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night Lionel Messi and the Argentina team-mates are defending the trophy they won four years ago ‘While they’re obviously trying to stay on the right side of humour, they also know fine well this kind of thing drives up resentment and bitterness among much of their core support. ‘It’s this kind of anti-English sentiment which they depend on in their selfish and obsessive drive to break up the UK.’ The SNP statement was embargoed for use today, the day of the semi-final in Atlanta.  The one-year anniversary of the announcement that Argentina had granted geographical indication status to Scotch whisky was July 3. Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Stephen Kerr said: ‘Scotch whisky is our national drink and its global success is always worth celebrating. ‘However, the SNP’s latest stunt is not about promoting Scottish heritage. Instead, it is a cheap attempt to try and stoke anti-English sentiment ahead of a major football match.’ The SNP statement failed to acknowledge the strained relationship the UK has had with Argentina in the past. The Scots Guards were among those who fought in the Falklands conflict when Argentina invaded the islands in 1982. Todd Ferguson, an independent councillor in North Ayrshire, said Scotland and England’s shared history should ‘always outrank petty rivalry’. The SNP has regularly faced criticism for anti-English sentiment over the years. Earlier this month, Nationalist MP Lara Bird told the BBC she supported Mexico against England and claimed that all Scots had become ‘passionate Mexican supporters’ and would become ‘passionate Norwegian supporters’ for the quarter final. She said: ‘It is just what we do in Scotland, and it is sort of quite funny.’ In 2022, the SNP Orkney branch described England as ‘oppressive’ and ‘a murderous nation’ in a hate-filled social media rant.