Why the SNP wore white roses at Parliament

SNP MPs sit in the House of Commons wearing white roses. Picture: PA

YOU might have noticed all 56 of the SNP’s MPs wearing white roses on their lapels for the Queen’s Speech and the state opening of Parliament.

After putting a few noses out of joint in the House of Commons by clapping – thereby earning a ticking off from Speaker of the House John Bercow – they filled them with the “sharp and sweet” scent of a horticultural nationalist symbol.

The white roses were worn in tribute to Hugh McDiarmid, who wrote a poem called The Little White Rose of Scotland. The wearing of the flower is SNP tradition at Holyrood and Westminster parliament openings, the party said in a statement.