SNP independence talk ‘dangerously irresponsible’ in volatile world, says Russell Findlay

The SNP’s “relentless” chatter about independence is “dangerously irresponsible” in today’s volatile world, the Scottish Conservative leader has said.

Russell Findlay told the Conservative Party’s UK conference that a divided UK is “a gift to our enemies”.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney is pushing for a second independence referendum before the end of the current Holyrood term in 2031 but Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there is “no clear consensus” for such a vote.

Findlay accused the SNP of “putting petty nationalism over what’s best for Scotland” and said that talk about independence is irresponsible in the current climate.

Addressing delegates in Birmingham, he said: “We face grave threats from China, Russia, Iran, and others. We’re already under attack in cyberspace.

“We face Russian hostility in our waters and Iranian plots on our streets.

“These totalitarian regimes want a divided United Kingdom. And we have SNP politicians who share that aim.

“They want to shut down Faslane. They oppose Britain’s armed forces. They would make us less safe.

“In today’s volatile world, relentless SNP chatter about independence is no longer just a dangerous distraction.

“It is now dangerously irresponsible.”

He also criticised SNP leader John Swinney for forming an “alliance” with Sinn Féin at a summit in Cardiff earlier this month, saying it was a “disgrace” that Swinney was working with them to “destroy the United Kingdom”.

Findlay also used his speech to launch Scottish Conservative plans for a Benefit Fraud Bill to fix the SNP’s “broken” benefits system.

He said the SNP’s approach “traps people on the misery of Benefits Street and gives a green light to chancers and crooks”.

The Scottish Conservative leader said that by 2031, Scotland’s benefits bill will be more than £9bn and that social security should be there for times of need and should not be a “lifestyle choice”.

Findlay said: “We will introduce a Benefit Fraud Bill to help recover overpayments. We will demand taxpayers get their money back, instead of just asking nicely.

“Overpayments could be taken directly from bank accounts, as happens elsewhere in the UK.

“Driving licences could be confiscated if refunds are not forthcoming. Our law would double the maximum sentence for benefit fraud to ten years.

“Our Bill will end the irresponsible tick-box approach for claims and create a statutory aggravator for benefit-related fraud. This means that prosecutors would take a stronger approach when taxpayers have been robbed.

“Benefits should be for those suffering genuine hardship. That would deliver true fairness, dignity and respect.”

Later in the afternoon, Findlay also addressed the issue of Scottish independence in a separate speech on the main stage at the conference, where he warned that those who say the threat to the Union has passed are “dangerously complacent”.

He said that the SNP have never respected the result of the 2014 independence referendum result but pledged that he and UK Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch would stand up to them.

Findlay said: “I’ll keep fighting for Scotland. I’ll stand up to divisive nationalism.

“I’ll back oil and gas, just as we did in the Aberdeen South by-election.

“And with Kemi, we’ll show the people of Scotland there is another way.

“Of educational excellence, fairer taxes, lower benefits, efficient public services and a strong economy.”

SNP MSP Alex Kerr said: “Nothing will strengthen Scotland’s standing in the world more than becoming an independent country and rejoining the international community in our own right for the first time in over 300 years.

“In May of this year the SNP were returned to government for a historic fifth term on a pledge to give the people of Scotland a referendum on independence – while Russell Findlay led his party to its worst ever Scottish Parliament election result.

“Russell Findlay is completely obsessed with the SNP, so it’s no surprise he’d rather spend his conference speech talking about us, rather than what he has to offer the people of Scotland – which is clearly very little.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Public bodies in Scotland already have a duty to ensure that public funds are properly authorised and controlled and deliver value for money.

“Taxpayers’ money is subject to appropriate scrutiny and parliamentary accountability.

“Every benefit application is subject to a robust decision-making process, with applications assessed thoroughly ensuring support only goes to those who are eligible.

“All intelligence on suspected fraud is thoroughly investigated, with appropriate actions taken.”