'We can kill independence and break the SNP' — Murdo Fraser to launch leadership bid with bold message
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has promised to "kill independence" and "break the SNP" if elected new Scottish Conservative leader.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 02.09.11
- Published online : 02.09.11 @ 02.39pm
The Perthshire politician, who is favourite to succeed Annabel Goldie, will outline his vision of a "new unionism" when he officially announces his leadership bid on Monday.
He will tell supporters the UK faces a "serious threat" and that the SNP's promised independence referendum will be the "central issue" of Scottish politics in the next few years.
Mr Fraser will use the speech to outline his vision of how the Tories can make their mark in Scotland against a background of an SNP majority at Holyrood and the looming independence referendum.
"Strengthening the union will be at the centre of everything I will do," he will say. "If Alex Salmond really believed in his own message, he would put his money where his mouth is and have a single-question referendum. No second question. No Salmond cop-out. Separation — yes or no.
"Then we can move on. We can be positive about Scotland and positive about the United Kingdom. We can kill independence and break the SNP."
Significantly, Mr Fraser will also reject full Scottish fiscal autonomy, under which all taxes would be set by Holyrood, describing it as "independence in disguise."
It had previously been thought he was open-minded about such a possibility, a view that could have put him at odds with Prime Minister David Cameron.
But he will say: "I support a new form of unionism. A new unionism that will give the people of Scotland the ability to shape their own future.
'New unionism'
"A new unionism that will provide financial devolution to the Scottish Parliament, because with power will come responsibility.
"A new unionism that calls for a more decentralised United Kingdom, at ease with itself, knowing that the whole will always be greater than the sum of the parts."
He will reiterate support for the extra powers for the Scottish Parliament set out in the Scotland Bill but reject other measures wanted by the SNP such as control of corporation tax.
"But I strongly support the principles of financial devolution, where the Scottish Parliament is more responsible for the money it spends."
But SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell attacked Mr Fraser's comments.
"Before he continues with his campaign Mr Fraser might want to reconsider his language," he said. "The last politician to threaten to 'kill nationalism' saw his party lose at this year's elections and the public back a majority SNP Government.
"Scotland wants a parliament that is working hard to build a better future, to create jobs and grow the economy. Whilst opposition parties spend their time in internal leadership wrangles the SNP will next week set out a positive programme for government that will address the concerns of voters across Scotland and take this country forward."
04.02pm - 02.09.2011 Jimbo - Kirkcaldy, Fife Report This
So this thug wants 'to break' a rival political party? Exactly why this angry, vicious type should never be allowed anywhere near politics. Please snub this lout.
04.30pm - 02.09.2011 Donald - Newtown , United Kingdom, Scotland Report This
Good luck! I hope you crush the SNP! you getting my backing any day!!
04.53pm - 02.09.2011 Jock Ferguson - Newburgh, Scotland Report This
Laughable tosh. It's always 'next time' with this lot, same as any other fringe party.
05.01pm - 02.09.2011 DB - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Sounds like an typical old fashioned Tory who is happy with all important economic powers to be controlled from London, and for Scots to just shut up and know their place. Don't see much chance of them recovering in Scotland anytime soon.
05.08pm - 02.09.2011 Union member - Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom Report This
Bravo Murdo. Somebody has to stop Salmond and his blind obsession with independence. Too cowardly to call a simple yes or no vote, he employs the sneaky tactic of stoking up anti Scottish sentiment at every turn hoping the English will "divorce"us so when it all goes wrong,he can blame them as usual
05.37pm - 02.09.2011 Robertson - Perth, Scotland Report This
Jimbo - Thumbs up for your comment. We certainly will NOT be voting for this person. Alex Salmond is the only one fit for our nation of Scotland. He is a true gentleman and compassionate at that.
06.26pm - 02.09.2011 Alexander - Montrose, Angus Report This
Murdo tells us his vision for Scotland, to back Cameron and make the Union stronger, and Scotland weaker, what a visionary.
06.31pm - 02.09.2011 LM - Dundee, Scotland Report This
@Jimbo,Well said. The Tories are hardly any sort of threat to the SNP! Even Dumfries and Galloway voted Labour last time, rather than sticking with Tories. I for one am thankful to live in Scotland, with the SNP in charge, rather than the Con-dem nation known as England.Independance all the way!!!
06.38pm - 02.09.2011 Sean O - Dundee, uK Report This
One question, yes or no. Stop stalling, Mr Salmond. Scotland is served best when Scotland's two governments work together. You blame Westminster for not giving us our rights, but deny us the right yo vote unless it's at a time of your choosing. Such hypocrisy in a parcel of rogues.
06.41pm - 02.09.2011 R.A.. - Fife, Scotland Report This
Aye, Bravo. If necessary, the Westminster government should call it. All this no knowing isn't doing the country any good.
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