AN MP has said “I do” in a tongue-in-cheek answer to a Valentine’s Day proposal from Denmark.
Broadcasters Tine Toft and Mads Anneberg invited Scotland to join Scandinavia in an open letter published in The National earlier this month.
The letter attracted tens of thousands of views as Scots fell in love with the idea.
The Radio4 journalists wrote: “We have noticed the flirtatious looks from the SNP for some time.
“And if you persuade Boris Johnson to let you go, we will make room for you in our cosy club of Scandinavian countries.
“The people of Denmark could be your closest allies. We feel your struggle, and we support you in your push for independence.
“As a small country, we have plenty of experience with being pushed around by larger, more conservative neighbours (we are looking at you, Germany).
“You might think that our proposition is a bit blunt. But when you think about it, we small Nordic countries need to stick together in this era of Brexit.
“Of course, we apologise for the whole Viking thing. But, on the upside, it means that we already have a lot in common.”
Now Douglas Chapman, SNP MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, has penned his own reply, telling the pair: “Us Scots will happily trade our whisky and haggis for your Lego and Lurpak.
READ MORE: Scotland falls for Danish broadcasters' Valentine's Day proposal
“And over a wee dram or two, we’ll readily shake hands and move on from the Viking era, because, hey, what’s a bit of pillaging between friends?
“Let’s take our shared history and transform it into a positive and progressive shared future. It could be the start of a beautiful friendship.”
Chapman’s message – available in full on The National’s website – tells how Scotland has followed Scandinavian models in domestic policy-making, including the introduction of the Finland-style baby box.
It also compares the countries’ approach to climate change and social justice, stating that “a synergy exists between Scotland and this world view, through shared humanitarian values and a deeply held belief in fairness and equality”.
Chapman – who appeared on Denmark’s Lobbyland radio show this week – stated: “You held out the hand of friendship and invited Scotland to jump on board the good ship Scandinavia to navigate our way out of the treacherous and choppy Brexit waters.
“With so much in common and so many historical and cultural links, this new union of Northern nations could do wonderful things together, you argued, if Scotland could only become footloose and fancy free from our out-dated and careless partner at Westminster.
“To know that the Danish identify with our struggle for sovereignty, that you are keen to deepen ties and reaffirm our rich historical and cultural bonds is welcome news indeed.”
At around 5.8 million, the Danish population is in line with that of Scotland.
It joined the EU in the same year as the UK and, having retained its own krone currency ever since, is not part of the eurozone.
Unveiling her letter, Toft commented that “Brexit and Scottish independence are big talking points in Denmark”.
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