An influx of pro-Brexit Tory MSPs into Holyrood exposes the party as “hopelessly divided” on the EU, says the SNP.
Christina McKelvie, the Nationalist MSP, said the divisions reveal a party in “absolute disarray” over the EU, with about a third of the Tory’s group in Holyrood believed to be at odds with their leader Ruth Davidson’s Remain stance.
But Perth-based Alexander Stewart, who is among the crop of new Conservative MSPs backing Brexit, said they are entitled to their views and Ms Davidson has made it clear they can air them publicly.
Ms McKelvie said: “This is deeply embarrassing for Ruth Davidson, showing that the Tories in Scotland remain hopelessly divided on Europe, and calling into question her authority within her own party.
She added: “In contrast to a Tory party that is descending into absolute disarray on Europe, the SNP is clear that being part of the European family of nations is good for Scotland economically, socially and culturally – which is why we will continue to make the positive, inclusive case to remain in the EU as we approach the referendum.”
Mr Stewart, who is also a Perth and Kinross councillor, told The Courier the Scottish Conservatives “will always be a broad church of views and of individuals”.
“There are a number of us in the new intake who have strong views and opinions on leaving the EU and we are entitled to those views and opinions,” he added.
“There has been no attempt to stop us from making those arguments, but I will not play a major role in campaigning because my priority is as a new MSP. I do not want to dilute that.”
He said it was unacceptable the UK was spending £350m a week on membership of the EU, which he added bears much of the responsibility for the “decimation” of the fishing industry in Scotland.
Mr Stewart said people in Europe and across the world would still want to buy Scotland’s exports in the event of Brexit, adding it would strengthen the UK bond and bolster Holyrood’s authority.
Ross Thomson, a North East MSP for the Conservatives, also supports Brexit.
In a column in the Press and Journal in March he wrote: “Outwith the EU I believe Britain will be freer and fairer, able to reassert its national sovereignty, and take decisions which are in the best interests of its people, places and industries.”
This month’s election saw the Conservatives surge ahead of Labour to second place, doubling their number of seats to 31.
There are now believed to be 10 Tory MSPs who are either in favour of Brexit or sitting on the fence.
In the previous parliament only Margaret Mitchell openly supported leaving the EU.
