THE TRUTH FROM RUTH
Scottish leader Davidson tells Tory faithful Brexit row could break up Britain and calls on party to pull together for sake of union
RUTH Davidson yesterday chided the Tories for their Brexit meltdown and warned it could help break up Britain.
In a stark warning to party activists in Birmingham, the Scottish Tory leader said the chaotic negotiations over leaving the EU could give a boost to Scottish nationalists.
Davidson, who received rapturous applause, called on members to unite behind Prime Minister Theresa May and her Brexit plan.
She said: “Let’s remember that across the UK, there are those who are working day by day to break up that union – and who believe that a chaotic Brexit will help.
“Let’s remember this also – the rock upon which this party is founded is a belief in the unity of this country and the enterprise of its people.
“So let’s commit to making this our number one priority: to make sure that the Union – our Union – emerges stronger, not weaker, from these next few weeks because THAT is what matters the most.”
Davidson also warned People’s Vote campaigners they cannot have a re-run on Brexit without giving the SNP a second shot at independence.
Davidson told delegates: “Four years ago, the SNP told Scotland they’d respect the independence referendum result. And for four long years, they’ve been pushing, pushing, pushing to have another go. And to keep going till they get the result they want.
“My response and the Prime Minister’s response has been clear: the people of Scotland spoke. They said No. It’s time to move on.
“Well – the same message applies with Brexit. I don’t get to stand here and profess myself a democrat – to declare that some decisions are so big they can’t be taken by politicians alone – and
then demand a re-run just because I wasn’t on the winning side.
“And if I tried to argue differently – to insist that one referendum result was sacrosanct while another should be immediately overturned – well, that would make me just the worst type of hypocrite.” Davidson, who is about to go on maternity leave, said she was eager to press on to the 2021 Holyrood elections.
She said: “People keep asking me: do you seriously think you can beat the SNP? Damn right I do. Because Scotland has had enough of the negativity, the grievance, the decade-long moan.”
She added: “Yes, there is a job I’m after. It’s the job of First Minister of Scotland.”
Davidson also offered tips on how to deal with Labour under Jeremy Corbyn.
She said: “Just leave him to his Labour takeover.
“Let him crack on with all those nine-hour meetings of the National Executive Committee he seems to love, let get him get on with compositing motions and allowing deselections of long serving members.
“Instead, let us get on with facing up to the challenges of the 21st century which need our attention.”