David Starkey renews attack on SNP after comparing party to the Nazis

 
TV historian: David Starkey launched an attack on the SNP
Robin de Peyer15 June 2015
WEST END FINAL

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David Starkey has refused to back down after sparking a row by comparing the Scottish National Party to the Nazis.

The controversial TV historian insisted there are "striking and worrying" similarities between the two movements.

His comments came after he was accused by the SNP of "parading his ignorance" by making the comments in an interview with the Sunday Times.

Mr Starkey had claimed the saltire was like the swastika and likened the SNP's view of the English to Hitler's attitude towards Jewish people.

And he renewed his attack on Nicola Sturgeon's party on Monday by branding the SNP a "virulently nationalist party".

"It's time we call things by their proper names. That's all I'm trying to do," he told Sky News.

"I'm not saying they're about to set up concentration camps, I'm not going to say that we're going to see a Kristallnacht of English businesses in Edinburgh, of course we're not.

"But the resemblances are striking and are worrying."

Mr Starkey added: "We've spent years fussing in Britain about completely minor fringe things like the BNP and whatever.

"They are nothing compared with the Scottish Nationalist (sic) Party, which has seized control of a whole country and is pushing this kind of radical agenda."

When reminded that the SNP won 50 per cent of the Scottish vote in the recent general election, Mr Starkey added: "Lots of people have voted for very unpleasant leaders, I shan't mention the word Hitler. Democracy doesn't always get it right."

An SNP spokesman said: "Having likened the national flag of Scotland to a swastika - thus insulting everyone in Scotland, regardless of their politics - David Starkey has reduced himself to a figure of fun. For someone whose livelihood is based on knowing things, he seems extraordinarily keen on parading his ignorance."

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