Fury at Sturgeon's 'nationalist nonsense' on variants 'Abroad = virtuous, English = bad'

During the news conference, Ms Sturgeon discussed the status of COVID-19 in Scotland and what the easing of lockdown currently looks like for the country. When talking about the disease’s variants, Ms Sturgeon baffled Britons with how she referred to the ones most prominent across the nation.

According to the First Minister, the “Indian variant” will now be described as the “April 02” strain when spoken about.

Ms Sturgeon caused confusion when she then mentioned the “Kent variant” moments later, calling it by the name of the location where it was first discovered.

The First Minister said: “Although the vaccination programme is proceeding well, it is proceeding exceptionally well, I want to stress this point.

“We should still be very optimistic about how well the vaccination programme is going.

“But at this stage, and this is something that we have to remember, less than half of the adult population has had both of the vaccine doses.

“We have reason to believe that it might be more transmissible than the Kent variant which spread so rapidly, you will recall, over the winter period.”

Twitter users were instantly sent into a frenzy over Ms Sturgeon’s wording, with hundreds sharing their thoughts on it.

Some felt the change in language was an attempt to divide Scotland and England on Covid.

READ MORE: Sturgeon rebrands Indian strain ‘April 02’ – Then says ‘Kent variant

One said: “Classic nationalist nonsense. Something from abroad = virtuous and good. Anything from England = bad and wrong. Its little petty things like this that don’t appear even worthy of note, but slowly seep into public consciousness.”

Similarly, another added: “If there’s any scientific basis for the name change it should be explained. There is clear public understanding of what the “Indian variant” means so an unnecessary name change could, potentially, impact public health messaging. And for what? And why did it not apply to Kent?”

A third said: “Kent variant name remains so that blame can be directed at a county in England.”

A different user added: “From any other party I’d find it strange, but we’re used to the psychologically indoctrination from the New SNP. Deliberately omitted or emphasised words. It’s like subliminal messaging with them.”

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Others were left more generally confused over the updated wording.

One said: “I’m guessing b/c the tendency to conflate Indian as an adjective vs descriptive noun, where that isn’t a problem for Kent/Kentish. Therefore for India, prejudice might make people predisposed to making racial associations rather than geographic, as is clearer for Kent.”

A second added: “If there’s any scientific basis for the name change it should be explained. There is clear public understanding of what the “Indian variant” means so an unnecessary name change could, potentially, impact public health messaging. And for what? And why did it not apply to Kent?”

Another said: “Forgive me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure the April variant isn’t the April variant in India. I think there it is maybe the February or March variant. @NicolaSturgeon truly is the master of disaster, if there is any confusion to be caused, she will make sure it’s done.”