Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart has come under fire for suggesting Scottish independence would in fact “enhance” Britishness.
Mr Wishart, the SNP’s constitutional affairs spokesman at Westminster, said British institutions would be shared north and south of the border.
In a blog posting, Mr Wishart wrote, “Like many proud Nationalists I have struggled with the idea of being British and have never described myself as such. But there is absolutely no doubt that people indeed do feel the need to identify themselves as British, even in Scotland.
“We have no issues with the past and our British inheritance is a crucial part of our own Scottish story. Britishness will exist in Scotland long after we become independent. In fact, I think it could well be enhanced with independence.”
But he added, “With independence, we will get the opportunity to define a new Britishness, one based on equality and mutual respect. It will still be all about our shared history and culture but it can also be about the new positive relationship we seek to build.”
He explained, “I would also be happy to see any number of shared institutions being called British and it could and should be the brand name of our new enhanced and equal 21st century partnership. Who knows, maybe independence can give Britishness a new lease of life?”
But Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray claimed the idea was “bizarre” and was an attempt to “muddy the water.”
He said, “The SNP clearly knows how unpopular its separatist agenda is, but attempting to water down the language isn’t going to fool anyone.
“These peculiar claims are utter nonsense. Either we are part of the United Kingdom or we are not.”