AN SNP MP has renewed calls for Scotland to be allowed to enter Eurovision after the UK’s latest “humiliation” in the singing contest.
Alyn Smith, the party’s foreign affairs spokesperson at Westminster, believes Scotland could win the competition if it was able to participate independently.
The Stirling representative argued it’s time to “talk seriously about entering UK nations separately into the contest”.
It comes after the UK’s latest entrant, James Newman, finished in last place with zero points at this year’s event in Rotterdam.
READ MORE: Viewers react as UK comes last in Eurovision final with zero points
Smith told the Times: “The utter humiliation for the UK at the weekend is the worst of a series of terrible results.
“The UK hasn’t won the Eurovision Song Contest since 1997, and it’s entirely because, time and again, utterly bland and forgettable acts are put forward.”
The SNP MP said contest organisers could be convinced to back the plan.
“The governing body has proven itself to be flexible in allowing Australia to enter the contest since 2015, despite not meeting any entry criteria,” he explained.
“As Scotland is firmly inside the European Broadcasting Area, and Scotland-based broadcaster STV is already a member of the European Broadcasting Union [EBU], it appears that all that is necessary to have Scotland enter separately would be a bit of co-operation and good will from the EBU, the BBC, as well as UK and devolved governments to help get this over the line.”
READ MORE: UK deemed an embarrassment after Amanda Holden gaffe in Eurovision final
Smith added: “Scotland is rich in talent and culture, and I want the world to see it.
"By entering independently, we could one day bring Eurovision back to Scotland.”
Scots star Lulu, born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, won Eurovision in 1969 – one of only five UK entrants to come home with the title.
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