24/03/2012

0:00:17 > 0:00:25Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to our live coverage of the

0:00:25 > 0:00:29Scottish Conservatives' conference in Troon. The party faithful are

0:00:30 > 0:00:33gathering in the courtroom. We will hear from Ruth Davidson making her

0:00:33 > 0:00:37first conference speech as leader. She would say there will be no

0:00:37 > 0:00:41compromise with the SNP in the battle to keep the union. With me

0:00:41 > 0:00:45in the studio is Professor John Curtice and our man beside the

0:00:45 > 0:00:50seaside is Brian Taylor, our political editor. Thank you for

0:00:50 > 0:00:54joining me. This is Ruth Davidson's maiden speech to conference. I

0:00:54 > 0:00:59suppose we are expecting a stout defence of the union again. I think

0:01:00 > 0:01:05we are. She has picked a lovely place for it. That is Troon harbour,

0:01:05 > 0:01:09we have planes flying above and bobbies on bikes. We've even got

0:01:09 > 0:01:14police horses but in terms of transport, the path ahead for Ruth

0:01:14 > 0:01:18Davidson is definitely Scotland staying within the Union. Thank you

0:01:18 > 0:01:23very much. John Curtice, 12 months ago, Ruth Davidson didn't even know

0:01:23 > 0:01:33she was going to be elected as an MSP and now she is speaking to the

0:01:33 > 0:01:33

0:01:33 > 0:01:37conference. It has been a major effect rise. F -- a meteoric rise.

0:01:37 > 0:01:44The financial allegations made to the person who was number one long

0:01:44 > 0:01:48does the's list, it meant Rees became a number one and became a

0:01:48 > 0:01:52elected leader. The other thing we are looking for his have defect --

0:01:52 > 0:01:57her defence of the union but also her road map for the party is

0:01:57 > 0:02:02Gordon. What does she regard her as her priorities? She is quite a

0:02:02 > 0:02:04radical right-wing politician. She has some very clear views that

0:02:04 > 0:02:10Scotland's public services should be delivered a very different from

0:02:10 > 0:02:13the way they are at the moment. True might be used to tourists but

0:02:13 > 0:02:16this weekend, the Tories had descended. They have turned up to

0:02:16 > 0:02:24hear the Prime Minister launched a robust defence of his party's

0:02:24 > 0:02:30values and argued it was time to take the fight to the nationalists.

0:02:30 > 0:02:36Their share is synonymous with Gulf, often a frustrating sport, not

0:02:36 > 0:02:40unlike politics. One day, you can't miss, the next, nothing goes down.

0:02:40 > 0:02:46For the Tories, the last few elections have seen few successes

0:02:46 > 0:02:51so time to change technique. One person certainly thinks so. Let's

0:02:51 > 0:02:57be frank, we aren't will be one to be in Scotland. We are nowhere near

0:02:57 > 0:03:01it. There are those who think this is just a fact of life, that a

0:03:01 > 0:03:06small Conservative presence north of the border is inevitable. I am

0:03:06 > 0:03:11resolutely not one of those people. I am here today to argue that this

0:03:11 > 0:03:16could be Alamo rent. If we are bold enough to come back stronger. --

0:03:16 > 0:03:24this could be Alamo and. This is a nation founded on thrift and graft,

0:03:24 > 0:03:29paying your way,. There is a profound belief in personal

0:03:29 > 0:03:32responsibility. And there is a passionate belief in family,

0:03:32 > 0:03:37community and country. For Conservatives looking at these

0:03:37 > 0:03:45qualities, looking at these values, it is like booking in the mirror.

0:03:45 > 0:03:51They hour -- they are our qualities and our values. He said they could

0:03:51 > 0:03:55be proud of their message. More conservative. The time for timidity

0:03:55 > 0:03:58is over. Enough of the hand- wringing and trying to be all

0:03:58 > 0:04:03things to all people. Let's be clear about what we stand for and

0:04:03 > 0:04:10what we won't put up with. suggested the Conservatives could

0:04:10 > 0:04:17help their party by saving the union. We have led the SNP claimed

0:04:17 > 0:04:22ownership of patriotism. But it is the symbol of a nation, not one

0:04:22 > 0:04:27political party. You can be even prouder of your Scottish heritage

0:04:27 > 0:04:35as of yore British heritage as many in Scotland up and still believe

0:04:35 > 0:04:42that Scotland is better off in Britain. But he won't leave -- lead

0:04:42 > 0:04:48the Conservative campaign. The one and only Annabel Goldie. Thank

0:04:48 > 0:04:53goodness we have found something for the old bird to do! I have to

0:04:53 > 0:04:58tell you, ladies and gentlemen, there is no will to which I would

0:04:58 > 0:05:06more readily put my shoulder and to keeping a school -- a strong

0:05:06 > 0:05:09Scotland within a strong Britain. Also lending their shoulders, a

0:05:09 > 0:05:14line-up of lords and ladies, friends of the Union. All of us,

0:05:14 > 0:05:19Scottish, English, Northern Irish and Welsh, we need to show just

0:05:19 > 0:05:25what this relationship means to us. And that Scotland is better off in

0:05:25 > 0:05:29Britain and Britain is better off in Scotland. By driving through a

0:05:29 > 0:05:32programme of separatism, saying we have to drag Scotland out and say

0:05:33 > 0:05:37the Scottish identity into a place by ourselves, you are doing

0:05:37 > 0:05:41violence to part of the identity of every Scotsman's. There is a

0:05:41 > 0:05:44British component in the identity of every Scotsman and two separate

0:05:44 > 0:05:47that or to try and bring about separation is to do violence to

0:05:47 > 0:05:56people's own sense of identity and this is not a good thing to do in

0:05:56 > 0:06:01any event. Controversial talk from the winner of a noble Pre's prize.

0:06:01 > 0:06:05-- a Nobel Peace Prize. Here, they used to make gun boats so it is a

0:06:05 > 0:06:09fitting location for a party who says it is ready for the fight of

0:06:09 > 0:06:19the future. It is one thing all this rhetoric, they still have an

0:06:19 > 0:06:21

0:06:21 > 0:06:25awful lot of work to do to sweeten Let's go back to Professor John

0:06:25 > 0:06:29Curtice from Strathclyde University and Brian Taylor beside the seaside.

0:06:29 > 0:06:33Brian, some of the Tory press this morning were saying that the Prime

0:06:33 > 0:06:37Minister gave the Tories quite a chiding because he was saying stop

0:06:37 > 0:06:46the hand-wringing and stop the timidity. What is your assessment

0:06:47 > 0:06:52of the speech? No, not a chiding butts and exultation. I think it is

0:06:52 > 0:06:57keeping with the approach that Ruth Davidson take. I believe that she

0:06:57 > 0:07:00was encouraging him down that path. The path of saying that she, as a

0:07:00 > 0:07:05young leader, does not remember Margaret Thatcher being in office.

0:07:05 > 0:07:09It is time for the party and the Scot and, basically, to get over

0:07:09 > 0:07:12that period and to think in a different way. I also agree with

0:07:12 > 0:07:15John Kerr it is about the approach she would take two policies. I

0:07:15 > 0:07:19think she would say that should there be substantial tax powers,

0:07:19 > 0:07:22once those tax powers of through and in place for the Scottish

0:07:23 > 0:07:25Parliament, she will be in favour of cutting income tax in Scotland.

0:07:25 > 0:07:29If you think that the logic of the Conservative position it is only

0:07:29 > 0:07:34with substantial powers in the Scottish Power's, Ace of sexual

0:07:34 > 0:07:43ground upon which to play that you can credibly -- a substantial

0:07:43 > 0:07:48ground on which to play that you can credibly argue for lowering tax.

0:07:48 > 0:07:53This was the big appeal, trying to attract Scots who might be

0:07:53 > 0:07:58interested in the centre right policies, but they just can't reach

0:07:58 > 0:08:02out and get the support, can they? They can't. I think the Prime

0:08:02 > 0:08:06Minister's prescription was very good. It is often argued that

0:08:06 > 0:08:13Scotland is so much more left-wing than England and this is the reason

0:08:13 > 0:08:17why the Conservatives can't prosper. But the truth is it is something of

0:08:17 > 0:08:24a myth. If the look at opinion surveys, Scotland is a little bit

0:08:24 > 0:08:28more left-wing than Scotland but only have a bit more, about 5% more.

0:08:28 > 0:08:31However, the problem for the Conservatives is that even those

0:08:32 > 0:08:35who are on the Centre Right and the right in Scotland are much less

0:08:35 > 0:08:40willing to vote for the party north of the border than there are south

0:08:40 > 0:08:44of the border. The reason seems to be because those who indeed

0:08:44 > 0:08:49primarily feel Scottish, those who wanted a Scottish Parliament that

0:08:49 > 0:08:54is strong, for the moment, they eschew the Scottish Conservative

0:08:54 > 0:09:00Party. I think the challenge for Ruth Davidson is that if she wants

0:09:00 > 0:09:03to defend the Union on the one hand and be sceptical about more power

0:09:03 > 0:09:06to Scottish Parliament but at the same time wanting to attract people

0:09:06 > 0:09:12on the Centre Right, is can she bring those two things together.

0:09:12 > 0:09:22The position on the union and their perception of being an England

0:09:22 > 0:09:22

0:09:22 > 0:09:29party seems to cuts across. That sounds like a difficult balance to

0:09:29 > 0:09:37strike. Can a parties campaign to fight for the union means they will

0:09:37 > 0:09:40attract more support? What the are trained to do, they have declined

0:09:40 > 0:09:45over an extended prolonged period because they were seen increasingly

0:09:45 > 0:09:50as being other than Scots, they were seen as primarily an English

0:09:50 > 0:09:55party. It was complete therefore best prospects in Scotland. They

0:09:55 > 0:10:01were brandishing patriotism, a branch in the Union flag. They

0:10:02 > 0:10:07picked the wrong patriotism. Or the Prime Minister was saying is stress

0:10:07 > 0:10:12the Scottishness and argue from the union but argue from a very much

0:10:12 > 0:10:17Scottish position. And the PM also said that he seems to argue that

0:10:17 > 0:10:21the campaign for the union, it will invigorate the Tories themselves.

0:10:21 > 0:10:26He believes as a consequence of that, with that reinvigoration,

0:10:26 > 0:10:29they can start campaigning on issues like the economy and society

0:10:29 > 0:10:34and perhaps then, they can reach out to Scottish people. In other

0:10:34 > 0:10:37words, you have to get past the obstacle of being seen as other

0:10:37 > 0:10:41than a Scottish party and then perhaps, you'll get a hearing for

0:10:41 > 0:10:46the other issues that the Prime Minister was arguing should be

0:10:46 > 0:10:52advanced. Now, a debate on the constitution is going on in the

0:10:52 > 0:10:57hall in Troon. Let's cross live there and listen in. As part of

0:10:57 > 0:11:05this partnership, we are the 7th wealthiest nation on earth. We can

0:11:05 > 0:11:14play a major role in the future developments of mankind on a global

0:11:14 > 0:11:18stage and also, even with one of the worst global recessions ever

0:11:18 > 0:11:24and 13 years of Labour rule, we are still in a position to look to

0:11:24 > 0:11:30prosper and grow. In short, we are stronger together and weaker apart.

0:11:30 > 0:11:36That is why we all need to go out from this hall today and make that

0:11:36 > 0:11:46positive case for the union and continue our pledge for a

0:11:46 > 0:11:57

0:11:57 > 0:12:00resounding and unwavering support Thank you. I would like to ask Paul

0:12:00 > 0:12:10bordering -- Paul Gordon from the British Conservatives in Madrid and

0:12:10 > 0:12:13

0:12:13 > 0:12:21Alex Fergusson SNP to speak. Thank you. I spoke before. I will come

0:12:21 > 0:12:25back on. I would just like to support the words given up by our

0:12:25 > 0:12:28colleague from Renfrewshire. I really think we have to cut Alex

0:12:28 > 0:12:35Salmond down to size. We cannot underestimate what he is trying to

0:12:36 > 0:12:42do. It is a real, real campaign based on lies and manipulation. He

0:12:42 > 0:12:50is trying to brainwash the Scottish people and he's a very canny and

0:12:50 > 0:12:57shrewd man. I met him years ago at a debate when he was a lot thinner

0:12:57 > 0:13:04and I was as well. And he really caught my attention because he does

0:13:04 > 0:13:09have a lot of political capacity. We must not underestimate him or

0:13:09 > 0:13:14his stooges, to use that word, the apostles of division and hatred,

0:13:14 > 0:13:19this is really sad. When I am asked about this in Spain by Spanish

0:13:19 > 0:13:26people, they ask me, what is happening in your country? Has

0:13:26 > 0:13:30Scotland been, has it had such a bad deal out of Great Britain? They

0:13:30 > 0:13:36are really quite surprised. Spain is going down a similar story, of

0:13:36 > 0:13:41course. And for that reason, as Mr Stevenson said, the Spanish

0:13:41 > 0:13:45government is looking at this story with great preoccupation because

0:13:45 > 0:13:51Catalonia and the Basque country are in a similar situation, if not

0:13:51 > 0:13:56even worse. And I would like just to say that we must cut Alex

0:13:56 > 0:14:03Salmond down to size. We live in a democracy and we cannot allow him

0:14:03 > 0:14:11to spend taxpayers' money as if it was bred falling from heaven. He

0:14:11 > 0:14:13must be cut down to size. One of the debates. We will be going back

0:14:13 > 0:14:17to that shortly when the Home Secretary Theresa May will be

0:14:17 > 0:14:21speaking. Yesterday, the Prime Minister gave a rallying call to

0:14:21 > 0:14:25the faithful in the party and said he will fight for the party with

0:14:25 > 0:14:30everything they have. The speech began with an admission that it

0:14:30 > 0:14:35wasn't always been easy being a conservative in Scotland. We walk

0:14:35 > 0:14:40taller, we shout loud together. That is why I say not only can you

0:14:40 > 0:14:45love Scotland and love the United Kingdom, not only can you drive

0:14:45 > 0:14:51yourself in both flags, but let me say this, you can be even prouder

0:14:51 > 0:14:54of your Scottish Heritage then you're British heritage, as many in

0:14:54 > 0:14:58Britain are, and still believe that Scotland is better off in Britain.

0:14:58 > 0:15:08All of this is why this Prime Minister and his party is going to

0:15:08 > 0:15:16

0:15:16 > 0:15:22fight for the United Kingdom with So I am eager that the hold of that

0:15:22 > 0:15:27debate, we put that question, we make that decision. But do you know

0:15:27 > 0:15:32the big roadblock standing in the way of this referendum? It is the

0:15:32 > 0:15:37man who has been calling for it for decades! At the last election, Alex

0:15:37 > 0:15:41Salmond asked for a mandate for a vote on independence. He won that

0:15:41 > 0:15:47election, he got back mandate, I have offered him his referendum,

0:15:47 > 0:15:52but now he will not take it. What on earth is going on? First he

0:15:52 > 0:15:59wanted a referendum in 2010, now he says he needs 1000 days. First he

0:15:59 > 0:16:06said he wanted one question, now he is after two. Now he is talking

0:16:06 > 0:16:10about Deval Max Audie vote Plus, soon it will be due for the sequel.

0:16:10 > 0:16:20I thought we were meant to be watching the movie Braveheart, it

0:16:20 > 0:16:27

0:16:27 > 0:16:31turned out it is a chicken run! APPLAUSE. What is he waiting for?

0:16:31 > 0:16:36He says he wants to know when a more devolved powers are on the

0:16:36 > 0:16:41table. But no one can appear at -- accuse me of being pragmatic --

0:16:41 > 0:16:47dogmatic. In the Scottish bill, we have a huge transfer of fiscal

0:16:47 > 0:16:50powers. Indeed, the proportion of the budget that can be raised in

0:16:50 > 0:16:54Scotland by more than double. This week, we have reached agreement

0:16:54 > 0:17:00with the Scottish Government on further issues they wanted

0:17:00 > 0:17:02reflected in the bill. So this is a bill, delivered in Westminster by a

0:17:02 > 0:17:07Conservative prime minister, supported by the Scottish

0:17:07 > 0:17:12Government, consented to by the Scottish Parliament, I promised

0:17:12 > 0:17:16respect and that is exactly what we are giving. Scotland's two

0:17:16 > 0:17:20governments and to parliaments working together. Beyond this, I am

0:17:20 > 0:17:24open-minded about the transfer of more powers, as long as those

0:17:24 > 0:17:27powers are truly about improving the lives of people in Scotland and

0:17:27 > 0:17:37not just bargaining chips in some endless game of constitutional

0:17:37 > 0:17:39

0:17:39 > 0:17:44poker. APPLAUSE. But all of these are principally questions for after

0:17:44 > 0:17:50the referendum. The people of Scotland were promised at a clear

0:17:50 > 0:17:55choice. Yes or no. In or out of the United Kingdom. And that is exactly

0:17:55 > 0:18:01the clarity they should get. Delay creates uncertainty, for businesses,

0:18:01 > 0:18:05investors, families. People need to know one way or the other. So why

0:18:05 > 0:18:09message to the First Minister is this: stop dithering and start

0:18:09 > 0:18:19delivering. Let us give the Scottish people the chance to make

0:18:19 > 0:18:23

0:18:23 > 0:18:27a clear choice about their future. APPLAUSE. In that campaign, I want

0:18:27 > 0:18:33us to demonstrate that this is a party with a proud, patriotic

0:18:33 > 0:18:40message. Scottish and British. But our long-term future depends on

0:18:40 > 0:18:45much more than that. It depends on showing how our values canned make

0:18:45 > 0:18:50for the values of Scotland. I see no reason at all why a party that

0:18:50 > 0:18:54is moderate, sensible, centre right, cannot represent millions of people

0:18:54 > 0:19:00in Scotland. This is a nation founded on the virtues of thrift

0:19:00 > 0:19:04and graft. Of paying your way and not running up debts. There is a

0:19:04 > 0:19:08profound belief in personal responsibility that its Scottish

0:19:08 > 0:19:13workers through the snow and into work on a winter morning. There is

0:19:13 > 0:19:17that buccaneering spirit. There is that passionate belief in family,

0:19:17 > 0:19:22community and country. For Conservatives looking at these

0:19:22 > 0:19:28qualities, looking at these values, it is like looking in the mirror.

0:19:28 > 0:19:33The art are qualities, our values. Yet let us face it, that is not how

0:19:33 > 0:19:37many Scots think of our party. The pensioner in Yorkshire at votes

0:19:37 > 0:19:42Conservative because he or she knows we will look after every

0:19:42 > 0:19:47pound of taxpayers' money. But too often, the pensioner in Perthshire

0:19:47 > 0:19:51with with the same belief in sound money, rejects us. The entrepreneur

0:19:51 > 0:19:55in Birmingham backs us because we believe in lower taxes in

0:19:55 > 0:20:00enterprise, but no one in Glasgow does not always do the same. The

0:20:00 > 0:20:05mother in Suffolk likes our focus on building a strong, safe society

0:20:05 > 0:20:09where built -- children are brought up with the right values. So does

0:20:09 > 0:20:13the mother in an this, but still there is something holding her back

0:20:13 > 0:20:19in the ballot box. Some would say it is always going to be like this

0:20:19 > 0:20:25so just get used to it. Icy it is time that we stood up even more

0:20:25 > 0:20:30strongly, -- I say it is time that we stood up more strongly for those

0:20:30 > 0:20:34values we believe in. When you make a strong argument, people listen.

0:20:34 > 0:20:38Those who agree will follow your lead. That is what we have done on

0:20:38 > 0:20:43the question of the Union. For years, we shied away from the

0:20:43 > 0:20:49subject, afraid of saying anything, worried it would be taken the wrong

0:20:49 > 0:20:53way. No way, the Conservatives, are the ones on the front foot, asking

0:20:53 > 0:20:57for the referendum, looking for that challenge. And although we are

0:20:57 > 0:21:02just at the start of this journey, people are beginning to listen to

0:21:03 > 0:21:07us. We needed to show the same fight right across the board on all

0:21:07 > 0:21:12of the issues that really matter to the Scottish people. The economy

0:21:12 > 0:21:18the work and, the opportunities for their children, the society 11.

0:21:18 > 0:21:24People in Scotland deserve a real choice about these things, and that

0:21:24 > 0:21:30should include sensible, practical, centre right ideas. And that can

0:21:30 > 0:21:34only come from us. The time of timidity is over. Enough of trying

0:21:34 > 0:21:38to be all things to all people. Let us be clear about what we stand for

0:21:38 > 0:21:44and what we will not put up with. Let us take for instance our

0:21:44 > 0:21:48message about fiscal responsibility out to this country. This is a

0:21:48 > 0:21:52nation with prudence in its blood. Every sensible Scot knows that we

0:21:52 > 0:21:58have to live within our means. The knows that there are no shortcuts

0:21:58 > 0:22:03to get out of the mess we are run. Labour and the SNP are trying to

0:22:03 > 0:22:08tap into this mood. They are beginning to talk the language of

0:22:08 > 0:22:14austerity. But Askew, have you heard anyone from Labour or the s

0:22:14 > 0:22:20MP ever asking for a sensible cut in anything? We have had the Celtic

0:22:20 > 0:22:25Lion, the art of prosperity, but nothing about how we can live

0:22:25 > 0:22:29within our means. So we have to be clear to the Scottish people. If

0:22:29 > 0:22:34you care about dealing with the deficit, if you care about not

0:22:34 > 0:22:42handing on debts to your children, there is only one party on your

0:22:42 > 0:22:47wavelength and that is us, the Scottish Conservatives. APPLAUSE.

0:22:47 > 0:22:52So let this be a challenge. Not just in the run-up to these

0:22:52 > 0:22:56elections but in the months and years beyond. To reach out and send

0:22:56 > 0:23:01out a rallying cry across Scotland seeing-to parents, who fear leaving

0:23:01 > 0:23:05a legacy of debt to the next generation, we feel it too. You

0:23:05 > 0:23:10have a home with us. To the young web entrepreneur who is desperate

0:23:10 > 0:23:15to make money and to new jobs, we are behind you. You have a home

0:23:15 > 0:23:20with us. To the pensioner who believes that a duty and decency

0:23:20 > 0:23:26other pillars of our communal life, you have a home with us. To the

0:23:26 > 0:23:30doctor, nurse, a teacher who want to have more say it on -- in what

0:23:30 > 0:23:33happens in the ward or the classroom, you have a home with us.

0:23:33 > 0:23:37To everyone who wants more control over their lives and to

0:23:37 > 0:23:41neighbourhoods, you have a home with us. To everyone who knows that

0:23:41 > 0:23:45this is a great country but we have to work harder to make it greater

0:23:45 > 0:23:50still, and to everyone who loves Scotland but loves the UK as well

0:23:50 > 0:24:00for everything it can be in the future, come with us, join us, you

0:24:00 > 0:24:00

0:24:00 > 0:24:05have a home with us. APPLES. That was the prime minister

0:24:05 > 0:24:11speaking yesterday. Let us go back to Brian in Troon.

0:24:11 > 0:24:17It is getting sunnier by the second. It is absolutely gorgeous. Three

0:24:17 > 0:24:22Conservative activists have joined me. He is saying enough of the

0:24:22 > 0:24:31hand-wringing. Do you empathise with that? David Cameron made a

0:24:31 > 0:24:35really great point about the strength of the Union in his speech.

0:24:35 > 0:24:42That was great for everyone to see. He made a really good points about

0:24:42 > 0:24:49why we need to keep Great Britain together. This point he is making

0:24:49 > 0:24:53about standing up for conservatism, does that go with you? Absolutely.

0:24:53 > 0:24:59There is no doubt that anyone who heard his speech yesterday knows

0:24:59 > 0:25:04how passionate he is about keeping Scotland in the Union. But saying

0:25:04 > 0:25:10it in that fashion, saying that if you are going to be a Tory, stop

0:25:10 > 0:25:12apologising for it, does that echo what you? Yes. I think it is

0:25:12 > 0:25:19important in Scotland for us to stand up for the principles we

0:25:19 > 0:25:24believe them and to take those principles and positive stances and

0:25:24 > 0:25:28create something people want to vote for. We have a great story to

0:25:28 > 0:25:32tell and David Cameron put it across very well. One part was a

0:25:32 > 0:25:37passionate defence of the Union and the second part was the things we

0:25:37 > 0:25:41are doing, we have that Conservative Prime Minister and we

0:25:41 > 0:25:45have just taken 2 million of the lowest pay two people out of income

0:25:45 > 0:25:55tax. My apologies. We're going back into the conference will for

0:25:55 > 0:25:56

0:25:56 > 0:26:04Theresa May. -- conference hall.

0:26:05 > 0:26:10Thank you very much. It is a real privilege to be able to join you

0:26:10 > 0:26:16hear in Troon today. What a beautiful town it is. So typically

0:26:16 > 0:26:22Scottish. I heard I hear hear it from over their! Stunning coastline,

0:26:22 > 0:26:27friendly people and of course, a famous golf course. In so many ways,

0:26:27 > 0:26:33it represents all that is special about Scotland. Whenever I visit

0:26:33 > 0:26:39Scotland, I am reminded of the fighting spirit of the Scots. It is

0:26:39 > 0:26:44indeed across the globe. You might have noticed that I am not Scottish.

0:26:44 > 0:26:50But I have often observed how you receive a warm welcome wherever you

0:26:50 > 0:26:54travel. It is one of many things to be proud of. And it is reciprocated.

0:26:54 > 0:26:59When people visit the vibrant cities and put his gown at --

0:26:59 > 0:27:05pretty towns, the spiritual Islands of this great country, a country

0:27:05 > 0:27:10admired across the world, indeed, how many people abroad who have not

0:27:10 > 0:27:15even visited the shorts would like to claim roots in Scotland? Your

0:27:15 > 0:27:23country and its people are loved and admired and everyone wants to

0:27:24 > 0:27:27be part of it. But the Scotland Bill of is part of a bigger hole. -

0:27:27 > 0:27:32- the Scotland they love is part of a bigger hole. And I am here today

0:27:32 > 0:27:42to talk about why it should stay that way. I want Scotland to be

0:27:42 > 0:27:50

0:27:50 > 0:27:55part of the United Kingdom. I believe in the Union. APPLAUSE.

0:27:55 > 0:27:59shared past, centuries of being together, the union for all its

0:27:59 > 0:28:04history of up Sundowns is to be cherished. I have no doubt that

0:28:04 > 0:28:09Scotland could survive outside the United Kingdom, but together we are

0:28:09 > 0:28:14stronger. Stronger on the world stage, stronger in protecting our

0:28:14 > 0:28:18sovereignty in Europe, stomping -- stronger in our own communities and

0:28:18 > 0:28:25stronger for recognising this. I am pleased to have this opportunity to

0:28:25 > 0:28:30talk to you about the work I do and how it operates within the union

0:28:30 > 0:28:35and why I believe that continued success is tied to the union. As

0:28:35 > 0:28:40Home Secretary, I see every day how we work together for the good of us

0:28:40 > 0:28:44all. Assured intent that unite us. Working together to protect our

0:28:44 > 0:28:49borders, working together, protecting the country from those

0:28:49 > 0:28:54who would seek to do us harm. I also want to talk to you today

0:28:54 > 0:28:59about some of the myths that the SNP would have people believe.

0:28:59 > 0:29:05Under what to start some debate over issues like Europe, a debate

0:29:05 > 0:29:09that the SNP does not want you to have. I will not pretend that our

0:29:09 > 0:29:13party is the most popular in Scotland. I will not pretend that

0:29:13 > 0:29:19we do not have some way to go in asking Scotland to trust us again.

0:29:19 > 0:29:24But we ought to look to the future and the uncertainty of the union

0:29:24 > 0:29:33demands that we must. I believe that each and every woman and man

0:29:33 > 0:29:36in this room has a part to play in started to make good progress.

0:29:36 > 0:29:43There have been changes to the party in Scotland, of which we can

0:29:43 > 0:29:48be proud. Your leader, at this Davidson, is a fresh talent. --

0:29:48 > 0:29:52Ruth Davidson. We have had -- we have seen gross in party membership

0:29:52 > 0:29:56under her leadership. The new campaign will continue to yield

0:29:56 > 0:30:02more to read the year. She has already become a powerful voice in

0:30:02 > 0:30:06Scotland, making the arguments with passion and purpose. My friend

0:30:06 > 0:30:16Annabel Goldie did so much for our party for so long and continues to

0:30:16 > 0:30:20

0:30:20 > 0:30:26It is something of an understatement to say that you are

0:30:26 > 0:30:31a tough act to follow. But Ruth is following in her own way with her

0:30:31 > 0:30:33own style. She has hit the ground running in modernising the party,

0:30:33 > 0:30:38said in a policy reviews and bringing people together. The

0:30:38 > 0:30:42issues she faces as leader are not small as the party heads into local

0:30:42 > 0:30:47government elections but under her leadership, I'm believe we are

0:30:47 > 0:30:53making good progress. Like everyone in this room, she understands the

0:30:53 > 0:30:56strength that comes from the union. Yesterday, the party launched its

0:30:56 > 0:31:02friends of the union campaign and I look forward to helping in any way

0:31:02 > 0:31:07I can. Under won's leadership, the party had the energy, the vision,

0:31:07 > 0:31:12the will to win again and we can demonstrate that we are a modern,

0:31:12 > 0:31:22relevant and powerful force in Scotland. And now, as the threat of

0:31:22 > 0:31:31

0:31:31 > 0:31:36separation looms large, Scotland Now, the question over the future

0:31:36 > 0:31:42of the United Kingdom cannot be taken lightly. And that is why it

0:31:42 > 0:31:50deserves open and honest debate on a number of key issues. Don't be

0:31:50 > 0:31:55fooled, conference, by the better end in SNP. The Scottish National

0:31:55 > 0:31:58Party is not made up of nationalists. Nor should we see

0:31:58 > 0:32:05them as portraitists. As David Cameron said yesterday, how dare

0:32:05 > 0:32:15the SNP claimed patriotism for independence alone. Is not everyone

0:32:15 > 0:32:22

0:32:22 > 0:32:29in this room a Patrick? -- a No, the SNP are not nationalists,

0:32:29 > 0:32:33they are separatists. Separatist like Alex Salmond one to duck for

0:32:33 > 0:32:38be tough questions. He calls himself a social democrat but he

0:32:38 > 0:32:42fails to deal with the many issues for democracy which arise from

0:32:42 > 0:32:46being a separate Scotland. He calls himself a progressive but what is

0:32:46 > 0:32:52progressive about breaking Scotland off from the rest of the United

0:32:52 > 0:32:55Kingdom, then giving away powers to Europe? It completely defeats the

0:32:55 > 0:33:00SNP argument that Scotland would fare better with more control over

0:33:00 > 0:33:05its own affairs when they seek to handover so many serious areas of

0:33:05 > 0:33:10government elsewhere. And people want to know, and they have a right

0:33:10 > 0:33:16to know, what handing over those powers will mean. Maybe even a

0:33:16 > 0:33:24joining the single currency. In the UK, we maintain control over our

0:33:24 > 0:33:29borders. Joining Europe's area could open Scotland up to mass

0:33:29 > 0:33:36immigration. In the UK, we have an opt-out on justice and home affairs

0:33:36 > 0:33:41matters. Almost certainly, Scotland would not have an opt out. All

0:33:41 > 0:33:46serious issues with huge implications for Scotland. It is

0:33:46 > 0:33:51unfair and it is undemocratic of Alex Salmond not to tell us how all

0:33:51 > 0:33:57of this would affect Scotland. Now, let's take the issue of currency as

0:33:57 > 0:34:02a case in point. Over the years, Alex Salmond has made the case for

0:34:02 > 0:34:08Scotland joining the euro. Indeed, he did so with a passion for which

0:34:08 > 0:34:12she is so well known. Nowadays, he has shifted his position. Now, he

0:34:12 > 0:34:16says that an independent Scotland would retain Stirling. But that

0:34:17 > 0:34:20doesn't really work either. Scotland were still find itself in

0:34:20 > 0:34:27a currency zone in which interest rates are set elsewhere. All that

0:34:27 > 0:34:32up he will, all that changed for no meaningful change at all. -- All

0:34:32 > 0:34:35that upheaval. There are of course occasions when the governments of

0:34:35 > 0:34:40Holyrood and Westminster might take a different view on an issue.

0:34:40 > 0:34:44Immigration is a policy area that is retained and for which I am

0:34:44 > 0:34:49responsible as Home Secretary. However, the SNP and Labour believe

0:34:49 > 0:34:56that all immigration is good. I don't agree. We need to reduce and

0:34:56 > 0:35:00control immigration. For those who add value to our economy, the door

0:35:00 > 0:35:03will always be open. Indeed, recent changes to the system we have made

0:35:03 > 0:35:09make it easier for them to come. We won the brightest and the best,

0:35:09 > 0:35:15those who will contribute to the economy to come to the UK. And of

0:35:15 > 0:35:21course, we will always welcome those who generally seek refuge --

0:35:21 > 0:35:27refuge from persecution. But under Labour, a net migration to the UK

0:35:27 > 0:35:32number 2.2 million people, some of those will have settled in Scotland.

0:35:32 > 0:35:38Understandably, some communities struggled with such rapid change.

0:35:38 > 0:35:42They found that Labour's decade of mass mismanaged immigration policy

0:35:42 > 0:35:46had a huge impact on public services like health and schools.

0:35:46 > 0:35:50Indeed, a recent report which included Scotland carried out by

0:35:50 > 0:35:54the migration advisory committee found evidence to suggest a

0:35:54 > 0:35:58negative association between people coming to Britain from outside

0:35:58 > 0:36:03Europe and British-born employment during the past 15 years. It also

0:36:03 > 0:36:07found that some potentially adverse impacts such as housing costs and

0:36:07 > 0:36:11increased congestion in public transport are not easily absorbed.

0:36:11 > 0:36:17And then, there is illegal immigration, sham marriages,

0:36:17 > 0:36:22illegal working, people staying on with expired visas, in rooting out

0:36:22 > 0:36:29illegal immigrants, they have been some success stories he is often.

0:36:29 > 0:36:32The UK Border Agency's Glasgow team disrupted nine sham marriages in

0:36:32 > 0:36:37Gretna this year. Earlier this month, the local immigration team

0:36:37 > 0:36:42in Glasgow, accompanied by Strathclyde Police, addresses 11

0:36:42 > 0:36:46suspected illegal entrants. We have made it our aim to get net

0:36:46 > 0:36:52migration back down to the tens of thousands. Cutting immigration

0:36:52 > 0:36:58isn't simple and it will take time. But we are taking action on every

0:36:58 > 0:37:08route to the UK. And worst it isn't simple, it is vital, so don't let

0:37:08 > 0:37:13

0:37:13 > 0:37:19Labour and the SNP tell you any Now, in being devolved, Scotland

0:37:19 > 0:37:23has shown great success at managing its own affairs. As Home Secretary,

0:37:23 > 0:37:26I have no say at all in policing in Scotland and I wouldn't want it any

0:37:26 > 0:37:31other way. There are many differences in our approach to

0:37:31 > 0:37:37policing. Scotland will have just one force, we in England and Wales

0:37:37 > 0:37:39have 43. But I am always struck by how well the arrangement works. And

0:37:39 > 0:37:44it certainly doesn't mean we don't talk to each other. In fact, the

0:37:44 > 0:37:48opposite is true. Police forces, intelligence agency and immigration

0:37:48 > 0:37:52officers work alongside each other on everything from cracking down on

0:37:52 > 0:37:58illegal immigration to counter terrorism. The approach balances

0:37:58 > 0:38:02the reserved nature of some of the work while recognising the devolved

0:38:02 > 0:38:09nature of important aspects of its delivery in Scotland. But again, we

0:38:09 > 0:38:16are stronger together. The threat from terrorism shows no regard for

0:38:16 > 0:38:21boarders. On several occasions, Scotland has been on the forefront

0:38:21 > 0:38:25of international terrorist attacks. When the bomb went off at Glasgow

0:38:25 > 0:38:30airport, before resources of the UK state went into running down every

0:38:30 > 0:38:34need. Extensive co-operation between the UK and the Scottish

0:38:34 > 0:38:38government has developed effective counter-terrorism capabilities.

0:38:38 > 0:38:43Working together, our governments have worked in preparation for the

0:38:43 > 0:38:47Commonwealth Games in 2014. Scottish police forces and those in

0:38:47 > 0:38:54England and Wales have been working closely to make this international

0:38:54 > 0:38:59event safe and secure for all to enjoy. Indeed, a national counter-

0:38:59 > 0:39:03terrorism exercise to test our preparedness in response to a

0:39:03 > 0:39:10terror effect -- terror threat to the 2014 games will take place next

0:39:10 > 0:39:16year. And we all look forward to delivering a secure London 2012

0:39:16 > 0:39:20games. And Glasgow, Hampden Park, that will be one of the venues. The

0:39:20 > 0:39:24challenge of those games is immense. The Olympics safety and security

0:39:24 > 0:39:32programme will probably be the largest security operation ever

0:39:32 > 0:39:37taken in peacetime Britain. 10,500 athletes for the Olympics and over

0:39:37 > 0:39:424,000 for the Paralympics coming from over 200 countries. On the

0:39:42 > 0:39:47busiest day, 800,000 live spectators. And a global TV

0:39:47 > 0:39:54audience of up to 4 billion. And, by the way, 21,000 journalists,

0:39:54 > 0:39:59twice the number of athletes! And every one of them looking for a

0:39:59 > 0:40:03story. But with those 4 billion television viewers all around the

0:40:03 > 0:40:08world, all the eyes of the world will be upon us. Regardless of

0:40:08 > 0:40:15where you come from in the UK, we will be seen as British. Working

0:40:15 > 0:40:18together, we are fighting the scourge of international terrorism.

0:40:18 > 0:40:22Working together, we are busting the international drug barons that

0:40:22 > 0:40:28ruin our communities, rip families apart and ravaged the lives of so

0:40:29 > 0:40:32many. Working together, we can look to the future as a United Kingdom.

0:40:32 > 0:40:36We are sending out the message that if people wish to threaten our

0:40:36 > 0:40:44security and way of life, then, we stand ready together to do all we

0:40:44 > 0:40:49can to stop them in their tracks. There is indeed more that brings us

0:40:49 > 0:40:53together than tears us apart. A future in which Scotland, Wales,

0:40:53 > 0:41:03Northern Ireland and England continued to flourish side by side

0:41:03 > 0:41:23

0:41:23 > 0:41:33as equal partners. Different and Different and proud to be so.

0:41:33 > 0:41:35

0:41:35 > 0:41:39Surrey, did you say I should have whisky in this? -- sorry. Moving

0:41:39 > 0:41:43forward together, we know what we are worth and will go out and get

0:41:43 > 0:41:49what we are worth and we will do it together and that is how we will

0:41:49 > 0:41:55win. And that is progressive. Conference, I believe in the Union.

0:41:55 > 0:42:05We believe in the Union. So, let's see that famous Scottish fighting

0:42:05 > 0:42:18

0:42:18 > 0:42:22spirit out there on the doorsteps The Home Secretary Theresa May

0:42:22 > 0:42:26being applauded by the people in the hall. Joining me his Professor

0:42:26 > 0:42:29John Curtice of Strathclyde University. A very interesting

0:42:29 > 0:42:33point that was picked up in a few of the papers today, her warning

0:42:33 > 0:42:40about mass emigration to Scotland. Indeed, and that fitted a wider

0:42:40 > 0:42:46theme in the speech. The argument is that Scotland, as part of the

0:42:46 > 0:42:50United Kingdom, is better against threats from elsewhere. So, yes, in

0:42:50 > 0:42:55part she was talking about immigration. She was also talk

0:42:55 > 0:43:02about Europe, the single currency, also talk about terrorism and drugs.

0:43:02 > 0:43:08These are all apparently external threats. She is trying to argue

0:43:08 > 0:43:12that the union is better capable of defending Scotland from these

0:43:12 > 0:43:22threats than Scotland is on its own. Some have the points will be

0:43:22 > 0:43:24

0:43:24 > 0:43:28disputed. For example, the fact that UK is part of this agreement

0:43:28 > 0:43:32has little effect. People have an agreement across the union

0:43:32 > 0:43:34irrespective of having to show a passport or not. So whether

0:43:34 > 0:43:42Scotland would end up with more people coming to this country from

0:43:42 > 0:43:48Poland or other parts of eastern Europe,, frankly, it is irrelevant.

0:43:48 > 0:43:52I things another points will be disputed. It is interesting to look

0:43:52 > 0:43:58at some for points. The one to defence Scotland against some of

0:43:58 > 0:44:03these threats, you need to keep the year. Had you think her speech goes

0:44:03 > 0:44:08down to a Scottish audience? There was polite applause. Mass

0:44:08 > 0:44:14immigration isn't really issued issue in Scott and. It is certainly

0:44:14 > 0:44:21true that immigration from outside the European Union, Scotland has

0:44:21 > 0:44:27had far less of that. Of course, is also true, and she was partly

0:44:27 > 0:44:30alluding to this that Scotland's politicians, Scott and needs more

0:44:30 > 0:44:35in the way of immigration in order to get the age balance in the

0:44:35 > 0:44:39population. Ironically, we have seen the birth rate increase in

0:44:39 > 0:44:42Scotland and we are getting a natural increase in population. So,

0:44:42 > 0:44:50some of the requirement for extra immigration has dropped. But

0:44:50 > 0:44:54certainly, Scotland, in a sense, existing in this context, and also

0:44:54 > 0:44:58some of the arguments about whether immigration is a good or bad thing,

0:44:58 > 0:45:08the tone of that debate has been somewhat different than for certain

0:45:08 > 0:45:14

0:45:14 > 0:45:19Alex Ferguson said the case for it -- said it is impossible to

0:45:19 > 0:45:23campaign against separation without explaining the consequences to the

0:45:23 > 0:45:28Scottish people of rejecting independence. There is no doubt

0:45:28 > 0:45:33that the pace of the debate since the New Year when the Government

0:45:33 > 0:45:37announced its you on the legality of a bill on independence, and its

0:45:37 > 0:45:42conclusion that a further transfer of powers was required to give the

0:45:42 > 0:45:46Scottish Parliament the legal comes -- legal competence to enact such a

0:45:46 > 0:45:52measure. The interesting thing is that when it comes to this crucial

0:45:52 > 0:45:56question, the SNP actually agrees that it meets -- needs that

0:45:56 > 0:46:01transfer of powers to enable such a stark choice to be put to the

0:46:01 > 0:46:09Scottish people. Accordingly, why is it, you may ask, but since the

0:46:09 > 0:46:15turn of the year there has been more discussion about a second

0:46:15 > 0:46:19question then there has about the consequences and implications of

0:46:19 > 0:46:24independence itself. No one has more to say on this subject then Mr

0:46:24 > 0:46:31Salmond, whose attention should be focused on independence, of which

0:46:31 > 0:46:35is after all the reason of existing up for his party. There is a

0:46:35 > 0:46:44fundamental difference between independence and devolution, up

0:46:44 > 0:46:46between sustaining a union and the break-up of Britain. Separation is

0:46:46 > 0:46:50a fundamentally different proposition from any scheme of

0:46:50 > 0:46:56devolution, and that is the question which needs to be answered

0:46:56 > 0:47:01above all else and before all else. In my opinion, some proponents of

0:47:01 > 0:47:04different models of devolution are playing with fire if they seek to

0:47:04 > 0:47:09introduce the second questions or multiple choices into the

0:47:09 > 0:47:12referendum. Wittingly or unwittingly, we're playing Alex

0:47:12 > 0:47:18Salmond's game because this simply deflects attention from the main

0:47:18 > 0:47:25area should and they should be wary of getting their fingers burnt.

0:47:25 > 0:47:28can be no coincidence that in a recent poll, at 8% of undivided --

0:47:29 > 0:47:32undecided at voters said they would vote No to independence if they

0:47:32 > 0:47:37knew that the pilot was to get for their powers and they knew what the

0:47:37 > 0:47:41powers were to be. There is one very good reason to understand what

0:47:41 > 0:47:46those powers would be in the event of a no vote. I do not think that

0:47:46 > 0:47:51is a good enough reason. And no vote in the referendum is surely

0:47:51 > 0:47:56what we all want, it is certainly what we all work for, and if this

0:47:56 > 0:48:00is achieved, as I believe it will be, independence will be off the

0:48:00 > 0:48:05agenda. But I ask you for how long will that be the case. It would be

0:48:05 > 0:48:09until the next majority SNP Government is elected to Holyrood

0:48:09 > 0:48:14and a new tranche of the SNP backbench fundamentalists have to

0:48:14 > 0:48:18be mollycoddled by their leadership. I want an outcome to all of this

0:48:18 > 0:48:24that knocks independence of the agenda, not just for the next five

0:48:24 > 0:48:29or 10 years, but maybe for a century or more. The prize for all

0:48:29 > 0:48:33of this if we get this right is the creation of a long-term,

0:48:33 > 0:48:37sustainable constitutional structure that was a queue at of

0:48:37 > 0:48:41all its -- devolved Scotland within the United Kingdom for several

0:48:41 > 0:48:44generations to come. I simply do not believe we can achieve that

0:48:44 > 0:48:48without considering and laying out our plans for the further

0:48:48 > 0:48:54devolution of powers from Westminster to Holyrood. Alex

0:48:54 > 0:49:02Ferguson there. Let us speak now to David Mundell. He is standing by

0:49:02 > 0:49:06the seaside in at Troon. I just wanted to get up on one or two

0:49:06 > 0:49:11points about Theresa May's speech there. She was saying that

0:49:11 > 0:49:15independence could open up Scotland to mass emigration. Do you really

0:49:15 > 0:49:19need these scare stories to try and keep the union? They are not scare

0:49:19 > 0:49:23stories. We're trying to move the debate on about independence and

0:49:23 > 0:49:28get people addressing the issues that Scotland will face if we

0:49:28 > 0:49:34separate from the rest of Britain. There has been no such sensitive

0:49:34 > 0:49:39discussion today about issues like immigration, membership of -- our

0:49:39 > 0:49:43membership to the heat -- to the EU, how we will deal with the terrorist

0:49:43 > 0:49:47threat, these are substantial issues that need to be debated so

0:49:47 > 0:49:51that people know what the position is if Scotland were to be separate.

0:49:51 > 0:49:56We have heard nothing from the SNP of the detail of was separation

0:49:56 > 0:50:02will mean and that is our challenge to them cute -- a challenge to

0:50:02 > 0:50:06them: come and show us what a separate Scotland will look like.

0:50:06 > 0:50:09What currency will use? How will the deal with international

0:50:09 > 0:50:15terrorist threat? This could be a rather self-defeating argument,

0:50:15 > 0:50:21because that she says that Scotland will have to relax border controls,

0:50:21 > 0:50:25the same could equally apply to England and Wales. The position is

0:50:25 > 0:50:29that as a member state -- that a member state of the EU has never

0:50:29 > 0:50:36broken up before in the way that the SNP are proposing to break up

0:50:36 > 0:50:46Britain, so they do not have the answers to these big questions.

0:50:46 > 0:50:47

0:50:47 > 0:50:51now there do you. -- needed to you. I am not making the case for

0:50:51 > 0:50:55Scotland to be broken out of the rest of Britain. I want things to

0:50:55 > 0:51:01carry on as they are. I think Scotland has a good deal with in

0:51:01 > 0:51:05the UK, a good deal within Europe, I think Scotland is protected from

0:51:05 > 0:51:11international threats because it is part of the UK. I am not making the

0:51:11 > 0:51:14case for Scotland to be separate. The SNP are, it is for them to

0:51:14 > 0:51:19answer these questions as to what as separate Scotland would look

0:51:19 > 0:51:24like. Theresa May was trying to point out that mass emigration has

0:51:24 > 0:51:30had a huge impact on public sector has Mac public services. This kind

0:51:31 > 0:51:36of top does not go down well in Scotland. -- of torque. I think

0:51:36 > 0:51:39people are concerned to understand what will happen in a separate

0:51:39 > 0:51:42Scotland on big issues like immigration and whether people in

0:51:42 > 0:51:47Scotland will require a passport to go to other parts of the United

0:51:47 > 0:51:51Kingdom, what our relationship with the EU will be. A lot of these

0:51:51 > 0:51:54issues have not been discussed in Scotland because we had been part

0:51:54 > 0:51:59of the United Kingdom. They will become issues if we are a separate

0:51:59 > 0:52:04Scotland. It is now at that time for the SNP to set out clearly what

0:52:04 > 0:52:07a separate Scotland will look like. Let us move on to what the Prime

0:52:07 > 0:52:12Minister was saying -- saying yesterday. If you are the party's

0:52:12 > 0:52:19sole MP. Did you feel the party was chided by the Prime Minister for

0:52:19 > 0:52:21poor performances over the past 20 years? We all recognise in the

0:52:22 > 0:52:27Scottish Conservative Party that we have to do better and we have this

0:52:27 > 0:52:31capacity to do better. We have a new, young leader who is

0:52:31 > 0:52:39revitalising the party organisation, announcing shortly some big changes

0:52:40 > 0:52:42in policy. During our leadership election, we as a party as a whole

0:52:43 > 0:52:47it recognised the difficulties that we have had and the issues we have

0:52:47 > 0:52:51to face, but what the Prime Minister also said yesterday it was

0:52:51 > 0:52:54that this fight to keep Scotland in the United Kingdom gives our party

0:52:54 > 0:52:59here in Scotland are renewed sense of purpose. It gives us something

0:52:59 > 0:53:09to be out there on the doorsteps campaigning on, and that is what we

0:53:09 > 0:53:12intend to do. As the Prime Minister said, you are trying to attract

0:53:12 > 0:53:17that mother in Angus, that entrepreneur in Glasgow, but how

0:53:17 > 0:53:23can you realistically do that? Annabel Goldie put all our efforts

0:53:23 > 0:53:29into trying to attract that support but it has not worked. One of the

0:53:29 > 0:53:32reasons that it has not work -- worked, is that a lot of people had

0:53:32 > 0:53:37been voting SNP on the basis that they were pursuing Conservative

0:53:37 > 0:53:41policies, policies like freezing council tax, police numbers, low

0:53:41 > 0:53:46business rates, but what people are beginning to understand is that

0:53:46 > 0:53:49voting SNP is not about getting policies delivered, it is about

0:53:49 > 0:53:54breaking up Britain. That is one of the big message is that we want to

0:53:54 > 0:54:00get over. If you what Conservative policies and you want to stay in

0:54:00 > 0:54:04the United Kingdom, the way to do that is to vote Conservative.

0:54:04 > 0:54:09Prime Minister accused Alex Salmond of dithering, of hold a referendum

0:54:09 > 0:54:13in the autumn of 2014. If you read the Scotsman today, it seems that

0:54:13 > 0:54:19the Prime Minister is willing to go for 2014 as long as there is only

0:54:19 > 0:54:25one question. Is that true? We want the legal, fair and decisive

0:54:25 > 0:54:32referendum. The sooner the better. Alex Salmond's whole reason has

0:54:32 > 0:54:37been having a referendum on independence. Now he wants one in

0:54:37 > 0:54:412014 and has given it no substantive reason for why we

0:54:41 > 0:54:47should -- it should be delayed. All the procedures should be completed

0:54:47 > 0:54:51by next autumn and we could have a referendum in 2013. He should get

0:54:51 > 0:54:55on with it. We are ready. The Prime Minister has said it very clear

0:54:55 > 0:54:58that we are up for this fight, let's get on with it and end the

0:54:58 > 0:55:04uncertainty and to know whether it Scotland is to be part of Britain

0:55:04 > 0:55:12or is to be separate. What happened after the fight? I AM confused as

0:55:12 > 0:55:19to what Ruth Davidson's line in the sand meant about new powers. As the

0:55:19 > 0:55:25SNP said, it is quite a pig in a whole. What the SNP are offering is

0:55:25 > 0:55:28a pig in a pork, because they are supposedly a party that wants

0:55:28 > 0:55:32independence and now having never participated in the previous

0:55:32 > 0:55:37constitutional commission, they are starting to bring on issues about

0:55:37 > 0:55:43more powers, which they say they do not believe him. What we're done as

0:55:43 > 0:55:47a Conservative Party here in Scotland is we have said that we

0:55:47 > 0:55:50would deliver recommendations and that a Conservative Prime Minister

0:55:50 > 0:55:55has delivered the Scotland Bill which will bring forward the

0:55:55 > 0:56:00biggest transfer of financial powers to Scotland in 300 years.

0:56:00 > 0:56:04But his David Cameron's record on devolution. The SNP have never been

0:56:04 > 0:56:08previously interested in more powers. They say they are

0:56:08 > 0:56:13interested in independence, if they are, let us have that referendum

0:56:13 > 0:56:20and let Scotland decide. Do you think the Scotland Bill is a Trojan

0:56:20 > 0:56:24horse? I think that the Scotland Bill is a well thought-out piece of

0:56:24 > 0:56:27legislation which will make the Scottish Parliament financially

0:56:27 > 0:56:30accountable to the people of Scotland. When I served in the

0:56:30 > 0:56:34Scottish Parliament, the issue was always the fact that the Parliament

0:56:34 > 0:56:38was focused on how to spend money, it was not focused on how that

0:56:38 > 0:56:42money was raised. This will make the Scottish Parliament more

0:56:42 > 0:56:46financially accountable to the people of Scotland and I think VAT

0:56:46 > 0:56:50is a significant change. But ultimately it is up to the people

0:56:50 > 0:56:54in Scotland as to whether they want more powers for the Scottish

0:56:54 > 0:56:59Parliament. David Cameron has said that he is open to more powers but

0:56:59 > 0:57:03at this moment there is no proposal on the table for more powers. What

0:57:03 > 0:57:08we want to do is get ahead, get the referenda out of the way, let the

0:57:09 > 0:57:11people of Scotland decide and then at that time there will be plenty

0:57:11 > 0:57:17of scope to discuss whether the Parliament should have other powers.

0:57:17 > 0:57:21Thank you very much. The conference debate on the

0:57:21 > 0:57:25economy was introduced as being even more important than

0:57:25 > 0:57:29constitutional issues. Yesterday's session brought a mixture of

0:57:29 > 0:57:31politicians and business people to the podium to argue the case for

0:57:31 > 0:57:38tackling the national debt, reforming public services and

0:57:38 > 0:57:42focusing on economic growth. Scotland's Corp -- competition and

0:57:42 > 0:57:47market place are global and so our benchmark must be global, and on a

0:57:47 > 0:57:53global scale our economy is not performing. This is no surprise

0:57:53 > 0:57:57with Scotland's public sector is so heavily weighted, and in Scotland's

0:57:57 > 0:58:03funding and to deliver a models for public services are so centralised

0:58:03 > 0:58:06and inefficient. This is no wonder when the current and previous

0:58:06 > 0:58:11administrations in Holyrood have demonstrated so little strategic

0:58:11 > 0:58:17ambition in investing in our infrastructure. The fix requires

0:58:17 > 0:58:21bold vision, courage, and the willingness to put aside short-term

0:58:21 > 0:58:26political agendas and invest strategically for the long term. It

0:58:26 > 0:58:31also means recognising that to compete in the global economy, size

0:58:31 > 0:58:36matters. We should do everything possible to me for the numerous

0:58:36 > 0:58:41advantages of being part of a strong United came does. In a

0:58:41 > 0:58:45global world, that is the world will be all of them, independence

0:58:45 > 0:58:55would mean economic suicide for Scotland. Ladies and gentlemen, I

0:58:55 > 0:58:57support the motion. Thank you. APPLAUSE. I can only hope that the

0:58:57 > 0:59:02British Government looks to more entrepreneur's for advice on to

0:59:02 > 0:59:04help new businesses in ways other than simply providing funding. At

0:59:05 > 0:59:09the end of the day, if our Government is trying to encourage

0:59:09 > 0:59:13us to go out into the world and create an empire, they are not

0:59:13 > 0:59:17supporting us to do so or giving us the relevant support and that can

0:59:17 > 0:59:21only have a detrimental affect on the loyalty that youngsters feel

0:59:21 > 0:59:24towards their Government. It is essential that the right people are

0:59:24 > 0:59:29employed to award support and funding to future generations and I

0:59:29 > 0:59:34sincerely feel that this needs to be looked at. The way that the SNP

0:59:34 > 0:59:38are running things up here is simply not working for those small

0:59:38 > 0:59:42and medium-size enterprises that Britain is so keen to nurture. I am

0:59:42 > 0:59:46now at this stage of opening her first shop, which is obviously very

0:59:46 > 0:59:49exciting, not just because it will be my first job but because I can

0:59:49 > 0:59:56finally pack in the restaurant job that I have had to keep myself

0:59:56 > 0:59:59afloat for the last two years. I am very proud of all I have achieved,

0:59:59 > 1:00:02however high have never considered myself to be an entrepreneur and

1:00:02 > 1:00:08will be simply someone told me that this was indeed how he perceived me.

1:00:08 > 1:00:12I told him I considered of -- Richard Branson and not -- that I

1:00:12 > 1:00:18considered Richard Branson and entrepreneur. He said, you're still

1:00:18 > 1:00:28in entrepreneur, it has not yet a successful one. However, I am only

1:00:28 > 1:00:34

1:00:34 > 1:00:3825 and have plenty of time it to The fun -- funding is crucial. At

1:00:38 > 1:00:48me moment, the traditional engine for funding is not working, the

1:00:48 > 1:00:56banks. 6.5% on overdraft to be reviewed every month and that from

1:00:56 > 1:01:01a state-supported bang. Finding suppliers is just as support and. -

1:01:01 > 1:01:05- just as supporting -- just as important. Much more focused

1:01:05 > 1:01:13support is necessary if the potential contribution my

1:01:13 > 1:01:17generation can make to our country's future can be realised.

1:01:17 > 1:01:20Emily, I was listening carefully to your speech and I hope what was so

1:01:20 > 1:01:29today it will be heard throughout Scotland. You made a strong and

1:01:29 > 1:01:33clear message to the Scottish government. Let's not forget, and

1:01:33 > 1:01:38this government went to get, that we all need entrepreneurs to get

1:01:38 > 1:01:43growth. But we also need government to get behind those entrepreneurs.

1:01:43 > 1:01:50Just look at the steps we are taking in Scotland, some of which

1:01:50 > 1:01:58the Prime Minister mentioned earlier. Enhanced capital earners.

1:01:58 > 1:02:01And the potential to deliver more jobs. As Alan mentioned, measures

1:02:01 > 1:02:10that will stimulate billions of pounds of additional investment in

1:02:10 > 1:02:15oil and gas. A huge boost for investment in the North Sea. Making

1:02:15 > 1:02:19Edinburgh a super connected city, delivering ultra-fast broadband and

1:02:19 > 1:02:25high-speed wireless connectivity. Corporation tax relief on video

1:02:25 > 1:02:30games which will be particularly good news for Dundee and a tax

1:02:30 > 1:02:34extension on the Commonwealth Games. But also, there are the steps we

1:02:34 > 1:02:39are taking across the UK. In the teacher, in my area of tax. From

1:02:39 > 1:02:42time to time, we receive representations from the Scottish

1:02:42 > 1:02:47government that they would like corporation tax to be devolved.

1:02:47 > 1:02:51They say that if they had power over corporation tax, they would

1:02:51 > 1:02:55take great steps to make Scotland more competitive. The details, I

1:02:55 > 1:02:59have to say, tend to be a little fuzzy. There is not much

1:02:59 > 1:03:03information out how the tax would be collected or calculated would

1:03:03 > 1:03:06stop they tend to brush over the fact that the overwhelming view of

1:03:06 > 1:03:10business is that different corporation tax regime in Scotland

1:03:10 > 1:03:16compared to the rest of the UK would create unwelcome

1:03:16 > 1:03:19administrative burdens. And there is not a word about a cut -- how a

1:03:19 > 1:03:24cut in corporation tax would be paid for. A cynic might point out

1:03:24 > 1:03:27that when the Scottish nationalists get their hands on a tax like

1:03:27 > 1:03:32business like business rates, they are more likely to put it up, not

1:03:32 > 1:03:39down. For some years, I have heard Scottish nationalists say that if

1:03:39 > 1:03:44we had a corporation tax of 28%, the opportunities for Scotland

1:03:44 > 1:03:49would be glorious. Well, when we came to power, corporation tax was

1:03:49 > 1:03:5620% and we started cutting it, first to 26%. Next month, it will

1:03:56 > 1:04:00be 24%. By 2014, it will be 22%, within sight of 20%. Thought-

1:04:01 > 1:04:10through, costed and sustainable. This government is giving Scotland

1:04:11 > 1:04:12

1:04:12 > 1:04:20and the whole of the United England -- cannot -- United Kingdom and the

1:04:20 > 1:04:27competitive edge we need. I'd run a B&B and I have been nominated as

1:04:27 > 1:04:31running the friendlies B&B in 2012. -- friendliest. It does show that

1:04:31 > 1:04:35even the smallest micro business can get recognition if you put your

1:04:35 > 1:04:41mind to it. I would just like to end with a short quote. Someone

1:04:41 > 1:04:46said to me earlier I should quote Churchill. I'm going to quote

1:04:46 > 1:04:50Stanley Baldwin. A long time ago, I know. But just listen to these two

1:04:50 > 1:04:55sentences. There are four words and one syllable, each are words which

1:04:55 > 1:05:01contain salvation for this country. There are faith, hope, love and

1:05:01 > 1:05:06work. And no government in this country today which has not faith

1:05:06 > 1:05:11in people, hope in the future, enough for its fellow men and which

1:05:11 > 1:05:19won't work and work and work will ever bring this country through to

1:05:19 > 1:05:26better days and better times. Thank you, conference. It was the economy

1:05:26 > 1:05:33debate in the true in all. We should cross there shortly before

1:05:33 > 1:05:39Ruth Davidson's conference speech. -- Troon. Ruth took over in

1:05:39 > 1:05:43November. What progress have the Tories being making in the polls?

1:05:43 > 1:05:49Clearly, there is a hope that with Ruth Davidson, the party would

1:05:49 > 1:05:53indeed achieve progress, progress which has been entirely lacking

1:05:53 > 1:05:56since 1997. The truth is that so far, there are any signs in the

1:05:56 > 1:06:04opinion polls of this progress being achieved. Love for the most

1:06:04 > 1:06:10recent opinion polls, as far as voting intentions are concerned,

1:06:10 > 1:06:15the party is starting at 16%. In Holyrood, it is 13%. The truth is

1:06:15 > 1:06:19that so far, the Conservatives in Scotland under Ruth Davidson's

1:06:19 > 1:06:23Ladyship art in exactly the same large black hole they have been in

1:06:23 > 1:06:28for some considerable time. The truth is that most people do not

1:06:28 > 1:06:33yet know who Ruth Davidson his and have little ideas about her and her

1:06:33 > 1:06:36policies. This morning's speech is important because it is a high-

1:06:36 > 1:06:40profile event for her to try and get across to the Scottish public

1:06:40 > 1:06:44who she is and what she stands for. Would you things and that consent

1:06:44 > 1:06:49will be? She will be tried to explain who she is but what other

1:06:49 > 1:06:54contexts might we be hearing? are two things to look out for. One

1:06:54 > 1:07:00thing this party has the message on is that if you're going to sell

1:07:00 > 1:07:04anything in Scothern, you have too rapid in the Saltire, not the Union

1:07:04 > 1:07:10Jack. You have to be proud of the Saltire but still be part of the

1:07:10 > 1:07:13Union. This argument that he wanted the Scottish is being commenced

1:07:13 > 1:07:18that -- commensurate with being in favour with the union is something

1:07:18 > 1:07:23they will argue. We will see whether Ruth Davidson will put

1:07:23 > 1:07:27flesh on that idea. What are the arguments as to why those who feel

1:07:27 > 1:07:32strongly Scottish should be in favour of the Union? Why do the

1:07:32 > 1:07:36correct Scottishness? Undoubtedly, Ruth Davidson is much more willing

1:07:36 > 1:07:39than Annabel Goldie to embrace some of the ideas that using much more

1:07:39 > 1:07:43of a market approach to the delivery of public services. I'll

1:07:43 > 1:07:48be interested to see whether she repeats things she said earlier

1:07:48 > 1:07:53this month about, for example, adopting the policies of free

1:07:53 > 1:07:57schools, of greater involvement of the private sector in the delivery

1:07:57 > 1:08:01of the Health Service, something which has proved extremely

1:08:01 > 1:08:06conservative -- extremely controversial south of the border.

1:08:06 > 1:08:09We also accept it is there something about although she may be

1:08:09 > 1:08:15reluctant to -- for the Scottish Polla to have more power, it looks

1:08:15 > 1:08:19as though she might be saying that if they do get these powers, we

1:08:19 > 1:08:24indeed may be interested in using those powers to reduce the level of

1:08:24 > 1:08:28income tax in Scotland. You may have heard David ducks say what is

1:08:28 > 1:08:35the point of tax bias because we are already delivering lower

1:08:35 > 1:08:41corporation tax. But Ruth Davidson might say that they should campaign

1:08:41 > 1:08:46on the basis of having a lower income tax in Scotland will adopt

1:08:46 > 1:08:52we are going to the hall very shortly in Troon. They are playing

1:08:52 > 1:08:56Abdo to introduce her. There is Theresa May, the Home Secretary

1:08:56 > 1:09:03going to introduce her. She is taking to the steps now. She will

1:09:03 > 1:09:08introduce Ruth Davidson, the new Tory leader. Ladies and gentlemen,

1:09:08 > 1:09:11our Prime Minister David Cameron, the Cabinet, we all know what a

1:09:12 > 1:09:16fantastic job Ruth Davidson has been doing as your leader. Just

1:09:16 > 1:09:20look, in the last few weeks, she has pressed for city status for

1:09:20 > 1:09:25Perth, she has pressed for tax breaks for, what game athletes and

1:09:25 > 1:09:28for support for the computer games industry. I can tell you

1:09:28 > 1:09:34unreservedly that Ruth Davidson is fighting Scotland's corner. Ladies

1:09:34 > 1:09:44and gentlemen, please welcome the leader of the Scottish

1:09:44 > 1:10:06

1:10:06 > 1:10:12I think you left your whisky! Actually, it is pretty good! Good

1:10:12 > 1:10:15afternoon, conference. Hasn't it been a fantastic weekend. Hasn't it

1:10:15 > 1:10:19been so fantastic to see the support we have from the four

1:10:19 > 1:10:24corners of our United Kingdom. To see proper debate back at

1:10:24 > 1:10:29conference. To see so many MPs and ministers, cabinet ministers

1:10:29 > 1:10:34joining us here in Troon. And of course, a man who is a true

1:10:34 > 1:10:44supporter of our party in Scotland, our cause here in Scotland, our

1:10:44 > 1:10:49

1:10:49 > 1:10:56Prime Minister, our Conservative Prime Minister at David Cameron. --

1:10:56 > 1:11:01High Mr David Cameron. More than that, it is fantastic to see a

1:11:01 > 1:11:05party that has renewed, reinvigorated and up for the fight

1:11:05 > 1:11:09ahead. A party that is changing with its eyes firmly fixed on the

1:11:09 > 1:11:12future and all that it can bring. As our mission is about more than

1:11:12 > 1:11:17simply restoring the electoral fortunes of these cottages

1:11:17 > 1:11:24Conservatives, although there is our goal. More fundamental, it is

1:11:25 > 1:11:30to reclaim the voice for mainstream Scotland. When you are elected me

1:11:30 > 1:11:34leader of our party, I promised root and branch reform, Eira -- I

1:11:35 > 1:11:39promised reform in the way in which we operate and how we communicate.

1:11:39 > 1:11:43That reform is well under way. Of the aged recommendations put

1:11:43 > 1:11:47forward by the Sanderson Commission and adopted by our party, 73 have

1:11:47 > 1:11:52been completed or are in the presence of completion. We have a

1:11:52 > 1:11:55new structure at the top, new ways of speaking with members and a

1:11:55 > 1:12:00recruitment drive is seeing results. In the last four months, our

1:12:00 > 1:12:10results have gone from fewer than 9,000 paid-up members to more than

1:12:10 > 1:12:14

1:12:14 > 1:12:18I played a greater role for that membership in the determination of

1:12:18 > 1:12:21policy and they promised to bring back proper debate within our ranks.

1:12:21 > 1:12:25From the robust such as we have seen this weekend, it is pretty

1:12:25 > 1:12:29clear there is no shortage of opinion. That is the way it should

1:12:29 > 1:12:33be. But it is not enough. Two further drive forward our policy

1:12:33 > 1:12:40review, I am announcing the membership of our new board.

1:12:40 > 1:12:46Journey on our border will be Stewart Stevenson, Scottish Lynsey,

1:12:46 > 1:12:52John Lamont and one about best known and committed campaigners Ian

1:12:52 > 1:12:59McGill. We are conducting the coldest review of our policies

1:12:59 > 1:13:02since devolution. We have groups representing the business

1:13:02 > 1:13:06communities and rural interests, teachers, professionals, and with

1:13:06 > 1:13:10communities the length and breadth of Scotland. This is no small body

1:13:10 > 1:13:15of work and it will feed into the board. We will be there to listen,

1:13:15 > 1:13:18to listen to you at conference, to listen to our policy reviews, to

1:13:18 > 1:13:24listen to expert opinion across Scottish public life, to learn from

1:13:24 > 1:13:27across the world what can work better here in Scotland. And

1:13:27 > 1:13:31together, we will build a set of policies that meet the challenges

1:13:32 > 1:13:35of our age and which reflect the aspirations of the modern Scott and.

1:13:35 > 1:13:40There are several further reforms in which power NUM members will

1:13:40 > 1:13:43play a central role. I want to share them with you today. As we

1:13:43 > 1:13:46map out a fresh and positive direction for the concert -- for

1:13:46 > 1:13:52the Scottish Conservatives, we must match that with a fresh and

1:13:53 > 1:13:56positive image for our party. So, this will be the last Scottish

1:13:56 > 1:14:01Conservative conference where it will be -- where we will use our

1:14:01 > 1:14:06existing branding. Will consult with you on proposals for our

1:14:06 > 1:14:12dynamic new logo and image. Secondly, to be sure we're in the

1:14:12 > 1:14:17best shape to fight elections, counsel, European and Western and

1:14:17 > 1:14:20parliamentary, we will be consulting on the future structure

1:14:20 > 1:14:22of our grass roots organisations. We must be a campaigning forced to

1:14:23 > 1:14:27better deliver our message and nannies to be at the core of all we

1:14:27 > 1:14:31do and how we shake ourselves. Thirdly, we must review our

1:14:31 > 1:14:34candidate selection as a ranking process for Holyrood. We must make

1:14:34 > 1:14:38sure that all the talented people in our ranks can play their full

1:14:38 > 1:14:42part as we take a party forward. To help these me -- to help me in

1:14:42 > 1:14:46these areas, I can think of no one loves the party will, no one who

1:14:46 > 1:14:51more appreciate the strength we have and seize the opportunities of

1:14:51 > 1:14:56what we can be, then our party's deputy leader Jackson Carlow and I

1:14:56 > 1:15:06have asked him to take the lead on these issues. Jackson, we are right

1:15:06 > 1:15:10

1:15:10 > 1:15:14And on the issues that mattered to Scotland, there will be debate,

1:15:15 > 1:15:23there must be robust debate, because politics is not about cosy

1:15:23 > 1:15:26consensus on every issue is, it is about a class of -- clash of ideas.

1:15:27 > 1:15:31We will reach out to reconnect with that the thousands of people who

1:15:31 > 1:15:36share our values but have stopped voting for us, or perhaps never

1:15:36 > 1:15:42have. We will not get our support from hiding our light under a

1:15:42 > 1:15:46bushel, by saying nothing to offend, by apologising for being

1:15:46 > 1:15:56Conservatives. No more shy Tories, we must never be afraid to speak

1:15:56 > 1:16:02

1:16:02 > 1:16:05out. I APPLAUSE. There are moments in history when it falls to a group

1:16:05 > 1:16:11of people to take a stand. If to say what they believe in with

1:16:11 > 1:16:14conviction, with passion, with right on their side. To know that

1:16:14 > 1:16:18however allowed to their detractors will try to shed them down, they

1:16:18 > 1:16:23will not be diverted from their course. Knowing that they speak for

1:16:23 > 1:16:28the silent majority of the fellow men and women and that they shall

1:16:28 > 1:16:33prevail. Conference, this is our town, a moment, our duty and a

1:16:33 > 1:16:37column. Let me repeat what I told you last night. The next 1000 days

1:16:37 > 1:16:41will shape the future of our country for ever. This is a battle

1:16:41 > 1:16:47that we must win and that be will win. We will settle the separation

1:16:47 > 1:16:51question. That question of separation is the elephant in the

1:16:51 > 1:16:57room that is dominating Scottish politics. Often to the exclusion of

1:16:57 > 1:17:00everything else. We have an SNP that is so obsessed with separation

1:17:00 > 1:17:09that it is abdicating its responsibilities to the job it was

1:17:09 > 1:17:15elected to do. On the day went youth unemployment figures crashed

1:17:15 > 1:17:21through the 1000 barrier, the highest Scotland has ever seen,

1:17:21 > 1:17:26where was the First Minister? Not at his desk, but down south at the

1:17:26 > 1:17:29London School of Economics agitating for the job that he wants,

1:17:29 > 1:17:36President of a separate Scottish state. That was bad enough but it

1:17:36 > 1:17:42gets worse. All around Scotland, he is letting people down. Yesterday,

1:17:42 > 1:17:45in this poll, we held -- heard from Emily Lamb, at great example of the

1:17:45 > 1:17:49bright young entrepreneurial talent every country needs. She told us

1:17:49 > 1:17:55that she was frustrated and felt let down by our devolved Government.

1:17:55 > 1:18:00As she put it, the way that the SNP is running things up here is simply

1:18:00 > 1:18:05not working for the small and medium-sized enterprises that the

1:18:05 > 1:18:15United Kingdom is so keen to nurture. Alex Salmond, get back to

1:18:15 > 1:18:19

1:18:19 > 1:18:24your desk and get on with the job if she were elected to do. APPLAUSE.

1:18:24 > 1:18:28It is not just Scottish business that is being ignored, abandoned

1:18:28 > 1:18:31and neglected. It is the people of Scotland and the public services

1:18:31 > 1:18:40they are reliant. This week, I spoke to a young man who e-mailed

1:18:40 > 1:18:46me about the desperate need fought our cancer ward in Scotland. He

1:18:46 > 1:18:53says, I lost my mum in 2001 to cancer. Watching someone so full of

1:18:53 > 1:18:57life - it was painful to watch. How the -- her death has had a profound

1:18:57 > 1:19:00effect upon the and that is why I joined Cancer Research UK, so I can

1:19:00 > 1:19:06make sure that no one again will have to make sure -- will have to

1:19:06 > 1:19:10go through what my mum went through. I believe that with the greater

1:19:10 > 1:19:13availability of cancer drugs, my mother would be here today.

1:19:13 > 1:19:18Scotland has a poor record when it comes to cancer and the need

1:19:18 > 1:19:23radical change. I believe that this change can come from a cancer drugs

1:19:23 > 1:19:26fund. Those are the words of a 17- year-old boy who is desperately

1:19:27 > 1:19:32hard time and working to make a difference. He has been let down.

1:19:32 > 1:19:37We cannot allow others to put the future of their country on hold

1:19:37 > 1:19:47whilst they pursue their own agenda. So Alex, get back to your desk and

1:19:47 > 1:19:51

1:19:51 > 1:19:56get back to the job that you were elected to do. APPLAUSE. I wish

1:19:56 > 1:19:59that these were isolated cases, but they are not. The SNP's eye is of

1:19:59 > 1:20:03the ball. It is as if they do not want to use the powers they have

1:20:03 > 1:20:09got because it would prove that they have far more powers to use.

1:20:09 > 1:20:12Take justice. There has been some progress -- progress, largely due

1:20:12 > 1:20:17to the extra police that we delivered, but there is still so

1:20:17 > 1:20:22much to do. Five years after coming to power, and still no action from

1:20:22 > 1:20:28the SNP on ending the automatic early release scheme, which under

1:20:28 > 1:20:32the nationalists has freed nearly 35,000 convicts from Scotland's

1:20:32 > 1:20:36jails after serving just half of their services. That is 35,000

1:20:36 > 1:20:41criminals freed and able to commit more crimes, create more needless

1:20:41 > 1:20:44victims, when they should still be bought locked up for public safety.

1:20:45 > 1:20:49Surely the SNP have taken a more robust approach to community

1:20:49 > 1:20:56sentencing? Let me tell you the facts. Nearly one-third of the

1:20:56 > 1:21:01SNP's community pay back orders are opposed with no work reply it --

1:21:01 > 1:21:06work requirement whatsoever. Half of supervised attendance orders are

1:21:06 > 1:21:10breached by those serving them. So that is the SNP's approach to

1:21:10 > 1:21:14sentencing. If you're convicted you will serve on behalf of your

1:21:14 > 1:21:18service. If you're given a non- custodial sentence, there is every

1:21:18 > 1:21:23chance you will never have to do a day's work to pay back to society,

1:21:23 > 1:21:28and if you preach these terms, do not worry, the SNP have abolished

1:21:28 > 1:21:32short-term prison sentences. Conference, the SNP stands guilty

1:21:32 > 1:21:42without the criminal neglect of our justice system. They are guilty as

1:21:42 > 1:21:45

1:21:45 > 1:21:51charged. APPLAUSE. It is time for sentences to mean what they say.

1:21:51 > 1:21:55For five years to mean five years. For 10 years to mean it tenures. In

1:21:55 > 1:22:05Scotland we need a whole life order, because sometimes life should mean

1:22:05 > 1:22:09

1:22:09 > 1:22:14exactly that, life in prison with no chance of ever being released.

1:22:14 > 1:22:18That is what I mean about dividing lines in politics. And let us look

1:22:18 > 1:22:23at child care. The SNP say they what provision to rise to 600 hours

1:22:23 > 1:22:28per year. Fine words, but let us look at their actions. We have

1:22:28 > 1:22:33heard it all before. Five years ago they promised a 50% rise in child

1:22:33 > 1:22:36care and respect was five years failing to deliver. During that

1:22:37 > 1:22:41time, the number of pre-school places has dropped each and every

1:22:41 > 1:22:46year. A quarter of registered creches have closed in the last two

1:22:46 > 1:22:50years alone. In Scotland's classrooms, there are nearly 4,000

1:22:50 > 1:22:55fewer teachers then when the SNP came to power and one and five

1:22:55 > 1:22:59newly qualified teachers find themselves without a job. Alex, get

1:22:59 > 1:23:09back to your desk, get back to you work and do the job you were

1:23:09 > 1:23:12

1:23:12 > 1:23:16elected to do. APPLAUSE. Because one thing is now abundantly clear.

1:23:16 > 1:23:21For the separate us, there is only one game in town. As we look

1:23:21 > 1:23:26forward to may's elections, we know what that game is. We have seen it

1:23:26 > 1:23:29before. They will pretend it is all about local issues for local people,

1:23:29 > 1:23:34this from a nationalist party that wants to centralise everything. But

1:23:34 > 1:23:38as soon as the if -- as soon as the votes are counted they will claim

1:23:38 > 1:23:43that every ballot is a cast iron vote for separation, because the

1:23:43 > 1:23:47nationalists only have their eyes on one prize. They do not want a

1:23:47 > 1:23:51better Scotland, just a separate Scotland. So to our local council

1:23:51 > 1:23:56candidates, I say this. Call for would confident that we will settle

1:23:56 > 1:23:59the question and that we are the true party of localism and real

1:23:59 > 1:24:04devolution. Devolving power from Holyrood to people and communities

1:24:04 > 1:24:07across Scotland. This is another fundamental dividing line between

1:24:07 > 1:24:11the Scottish Conservatives and their opponents. They want to

1:24:11 > 1:24:16gather more power in the hands of the few. We want to deliver power

1:24:16 > 1:24:21into the hands of the many. So vast reseated delivered evolution at

1:24:21 > 1:24:24local level, it is us, at the Conservatives, who are delivering a

1:24:24 > 1:24:28further devilish and now for the people of Scotland. The Scotland

1:24:28 > 1:24:32Bill will soon bring the biggest transfer of fiscal powers to

1:24:32 > 1:24:38Scotland since the creation of the United Kingdom. New powers of a

1:24:38 > 1:24:43stamp duty, at landfill tax, income tax. We must focus our attention on

1:24:43 > 1:24:47using the powers we have and the new powers that are coming to build

1:24:47 > 1:24:51a better Scotland. While the new tax powers are still some time away,

1:24:51 > 1:24:56now is the time to think about how they can and should use to. As

1:24:56 > 1:25:01Conservatives, our view is clear. To cut the tax burden faced by

1:25:01 > 1:25:05individuals and businesses. Leaving more money in the pockets of Scots.

1:25:05 > 1:25:11Encouraging more businesses to expand to create more and better

1:25:11 > 1:25:14paid jobs in every corner of the country. Clearly, the scope for

1:25:14 > 1:25:18cutting income tax will depend on the economic climate and the state

1:25:18 > 1:25:23of public finances. But let there be no doubt, lowering the overall

1:25:23 > 1:25:27tax burden is our ambition. A dividing line between Conservatives

1:25:27 > 1:25:32to trust people to spend more of their own money to grow the economy

1:25:32 > 1:25:36and the others who do not. Sono Alex, it is not a penny for

1:25:36 > 1:25:46Scotland, it is pounds for people's pockets and that is the

1:25:46 > 1:25:51

1:25:51 > 1:25:55Conservative way. APPLES. applause. We are building a party

1:25:55 > 1:26:00that is brimming with new talent and fresh ideas. We are ready,

1:26:00 > 1:26:04willing and able to tackle the new issues facing Scotland. We will

1:26:04 > 1:26:08never face sight of the here and now. We know that there is no more

1:26:08 > 1:26:14important issue than Scotland's continued place within the United

1:26:14 > 1:26:18Kingdom. Our position is clear. We are for the union. Scotland is

1:26:18 > 1:26:22better off in Britain and we do not Defence Scotland's place in the

1:26:22 > 1:26:28United Kingdom by compromising with the forces of separatism. So no red

1:26:28 > 1:26:32ballots and no second questions. A clear choice for at the people of

1:26:32 > 1:26:36Scotland. In or out of the Union. I United Kingdom or a separate

1:26:36 > 1:26:43Scotland. It is a choice that the Scottish people must be given as

1:26:43 > 1:26:48quickly as possible. Delayed damages business. More and more

1:26:48 > 1:26:54people are asking the question, why the delay, Alex? What is going on?

1:26:54 > 1:27:04I will tell you what I think. Ego before party, party before country.

1:27:04 > 1:27:06

1:27:06 > 1:27:12There is a growing army who do not agenda is to break up Britain be

1:27:12 > 1:27:17working so hard to avoid putting a single, straight question to the

1:27:17 > 1:27:23country? But that is not a Conservative Way. A legal, a freer,

1:27:23 > 1:27:33decisive referendum. We must settle the referendum question -- this

1:27:33 > 1:27:33

1:27:33 > 1:27:36separation question. The APPLAUSE. The treaty of Union bind our

1:27:36 > 1:27:41nations together and set them on a shared path which has endured for

1:27:41 > 1:27:45more than three centuries. The United Kingdom is a shining example

1:27:45 > 1:27:51to the world of estate that gathers together an array of nationalities

1:27:51 > 1:27:54and peoples. Ours is an optimistic message. We support the Union

1:27:54 > 1:28:00because Scotland's strings bolster those of the other nations within

1:28:00 > 1:28:07it. It is about Corporation. It is about the whole being greater than

1:28:07 > 1:28:11the sum of its parts. Giselle thick -- celebrate the fact that our

1:28:11 > 1:28:14identity is not rigid but is open for all to share them. The

1:28:15 > 1:28:19diversity of the United Kingdom and the strength of the cultural

1:28:19 > 1:28:24enrichment that we draw from that is what it make -- what makes it

1:28:24 > 1:28:29unique and to be prized. Breaking up the union would only serve to

1:28:29 > 1:28:33narrow Scotland's ambitions. Embracing a British identity does

1:28:33 > 1:28:40not will cost of one ounce of our proud Scottish us, it simply adds

1:28:40 > 1:28:45an extra dimension to it. I union is a partnership. Our out looks are

1:28:45 > 1:28:49not always identical, we sometimes argued and recognise the necessity

1:28:49 > 1:28:54of compromise, but we know that we get far more from sticking together

1:28:54 > 1:28:59than they would from standing apart. The ties that draw our nation

1:28:59 > 1:29:04together are many and they have developed over time. For some, they

1:29:04 > 1:29:10are deeply cultural. For others, they are a respect for the

1:29:10 > 1:29:19institutions of our state, a monarch a, our armed forces. For

1:29:19 > 1:29:26others they are economic. If we are rightly proud of the history of the

1:29:26 > 1:29:29Union, it is to the future that we must raise our eyes. Scotland and

1:29:29 > 1:29:34Britain is not an exercise in nostalgia. It is positive and

1:29:34 > 1:29:40forward-looking, together for good. It is about the way we interact --

1:29:40 > 1:29:44interact with the rest of the world. It is about the advantages that

1:29:44 > 1:29:51come from an integrated economy. The Solidarity we have through the

1:29:52 > 1:29:56welfare state and the pulling of risks and rewards. To believe in

1:29:56 > 1:30:02the Union of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, is not

1:30:02 > 1:30:05an exercise in timidity, it is a statement of confidence that as a

1:30:05 > 1:30:10nation Scotland Act should continue to play a role in the world beyond

1:30:10 > 1:30:14our size and the number of our people. It is a belief that our

1:30:14 > 1:30:17progress as a society is best served through continued

1:30:17 > 1:30:22partnership with in our family of nations. That will be our message

1:30:22 > 1:30:30over the coming months. To get that for good. Scotland is better off in

1:30:30 > 1:30:40Britain. To those who want to break apart, I say, the respect of you

1:30:40 > 1:30:47

1:30:47 > 1:30:52To supporters who accrued us, I say join us. We are positive that our

1:30:52 > 1:30:57destinies are best served together, together for good. A strong

1:30:57 > 1:31:01Scotland and a strong Britain. Pride in our past, faith in our

1:31:01 > 1:31:07future and an unshakeable conviction that our best days still

1:31:07 > 1:31:11lie ahead. Friends, I promise you that in our council chambers, at

1:31:11 > 1:31:16Holyrood, at Westminster and in Europe, we will keep our eye on the

1:31:16 > 1:31:20ball, fighting for a fairer deal, standing up and being counted on

1:31:20 > 1:31:25the issues that matter day to day but equally, and this is my vow,

1:31:25 > 1:31:32when it comes to the very future of the country that I laugh, I won't

1:31:32 > 1:31:38falter. As Conservatives, where we need to lead, we will lead, where

1:31:38 > 1:31:42we need to join, we would join, and where we need to fight, we won't be

1:31:42 > 1:31:49found wanting. There are things that divide us but there are

1:31:49 > 1:31:55aspects that can join us also. Scotland's calls is bigger than

1:31:55 > 1:32:00anyone political party. So I say, Scotland expects us to work

1:32:00 > 1:32:05together and we are. Scotland expects us to lead and we will.

1:32:05 > 1:32:09Scotland expects us to put aside our differences and pooled together

1:32:09 > 1:32:13for the common cause, to give a voice to the silent majority, to

1:32:13 > 1:32:18build a chorus across a nation. Today, we stand on the brink of

1:32:18 > 1:32:23history, the world is watching. This is a cause and we won't be

1:32:23 > 1:32:29found wanting. We will add our sound to the millions of voices

1:32:29 > 1:32:39declaring as one a strong Scotland in a strong Britain. Together, for

1:32:39 > 1:32:50

1:32:50 > 1:32:55but. Conference, let's get to work. The Scottish Conservative leader

1:32:55 > 1:33:00Ruth Davidson receiving a standing ovation in the hall at Troon after

1:33:00 > 1:33:03her very first conference speech. She was introduced by the Home

1:33:03 > 1:33:06Secretary Theresa May. Ruth Davidson are promised a new and

1:33:06 > 1:33:11reinvigorated party. She said no more shy Tories. She accused the

1:33:11 > 1:33:15SNP of taking the eye of the ball to focus on the referendum. He

1:33:15 > 1:33:19promised a new Scotland Bill and Tories would cut taxes. She said

1:33:19 > 1:33:24she was standing four-square behind a union and that she would give the

1:33:24 > 1:33:27boys to the silent majority the stop I am joined by Professor John

1:33:27 > 1:33:33Curtice of Strathclyde University was stopped John, your immediate

1:33:33 > 1:33:36reaction to that. Her first speech as they do. A rather surprisingly

1:33:37 > 1:33:41short speech. I think, in some sense, it showed the difficulty of

1:33:41 > 1:33:45the situation she has inherited. On the one hand, she has committed her

1:33:45 > 1:33:48party to a policy review. At the beginning of this beach, we had

1:33:48 > 1:33:53some detail about how it will be organised. That meant there was

1:33:53 > 1:33:58very little about what is the current Scottish Conservative

1:33:58 > 1:34:04policy and vision for the year. There was the idea that when

1:34:04 > 1:34:12Scotland has its own income tax powers, a much reduce it. A strong

1:34:12 > 1:34:15attack on the SNP's criminal- justice system. Still, with

1:34:15 > 1:34:19relatively little on the domestic double to politics, despite a very

1:34:19 > 1:34:22strong attack on the SNP for not paying enough attention to it. The

1:34:22 > 1:34:26second thing maybe the most important message of the space. She

1:34:26 > 1:34:31has inherited a situation where her party, together with Labour and

1:34:31 > 1:34:36Liberal Democrats, are wanting to defend the Union. She was to be

1:34:36 > 1:34:39combated but actually, she needs to become part of a wider pro-union

1:34:39 > 1:34:42organisation and the end of that speech was a very strong state and

1:34:43 > 1:34:51that although she does have are differences with the Liberal

1:34:51 > 1:34:55Democrats, she very clearly feels that her immediate objective is to

1:34:55 > 1:35:00collaborate with the other Unionist parties to create a strong pro-

1:35:00 > 1:35:04union campaign. She was saying that some of the party warfare will have

1:35:04 > 1:35:14to be put on hold for a while in order to achieve this figure

1:35:14 > 1:35:15

1:35:15 > 1:35:20projected. Achieve this bigger objective. She has given other

1:35:20 > 1:35:25speeches in where we have a clear idea about the degree to which she

1:35:25 > 1:35:29wants to change the Health Service and education. On the other hand,

1:35:29 > 1:35:34still, nobody could get any doubt about her style. She clearly is say

1:35:35 > 1:35:39to her party, we should not be timid. We should declare what we

1:35:39 > 1:35:43stand for. We should go on the basis of that. I think all that it

1:35:43 > 1:35:46is not necessarily clear from this speech, I think we're probably

1:35:46 > 1:35:50anticipating that under Ruth Davidson, the Conservative Party is

1:35:50 > 1:35:54probably going to move something to the right in Scotland. It will

1:35:54 > 1:35:58occupy much more distinctive policy spaces with respect to have

1:35:58 > 1:36:02Scotland should be run. She is someone who believes her party will

1:36:02 > 1:36:07revive by not as it were going to was the centre of Scottish politics

1:36:07 > 1:36:11and try to accommodate the new Conservative Party to the Scottish

1:36:11 > 1:36:14electorate. Rather, her strategy will be to say firmly this is what

1:36:14 > 1:36:18we believe in and by the way, we believe in different things from

1:36:18 > 1:36:24both Labour and the SNP in Scotland. Although the star was there today,

1:36:24 > 1:36:27I think the substance was missing because she is just about to go

1:36:27 > 1:36:33through a policy review and this time this next year -- this time

1:36:33 > 1:36:38next year, we may get some more flesh on the bones. Just the very

1:36:38 > 1:36:43beginning of the speech, it was parish pump stuff, to a

1:36:43 > 1:36:48housekeeping duties. But you think that is significant. She is trained

1:36:48 > 1:36:55to put her individual stamp on it. It is worth bearing in mind that in

1:36:55 > 1:36:59the same way as the Labour Party leader John Lamont, that was a

1:36:59 > 1:37:03change agreed before she became leader, equally, because it is

1:37:03 > 1:37:07agreed that Annabel Goldie's successor would be the leader of

1:37:07 > 1:37:10the whole of the Conservative Party has got and and she has inherited

1:37:10 > 1:37:13that position. She is indeed responsible for running because of

1:37:14 > 1:37:17a party in Scotland and I think undoubtedly, we are looking to see

1:37:17 > 1:37:21what policies the Conservative Party is going to launch a loss of

1:37:21 > 1:37:25the border. Certainly looking through the names of the people she

1:37:25 > 1:37:31is going to look at, they are people who are known to be

1:37:31 > 1:37:36associated quite closely with her. This is the policy board, the Ruth

1:37:36 > 1:37:42Davidson wing of the party that is now firmly in control of his party.

1:37:43 > 1:37:49She is selling her party members they can have the debate. -- she is

1:37:49 > 1:37:56telling her party members. Thank you. Let's go back over to Brian

1:37:57 > 1:38:02for more reaction from the delegates in the hall. Thank you. I

1:38:02 > 1:38:06am joined by Annabel Goldie, the Auld bird, as you describe yourself

1:38:06 > 1:38:12last night. What did you make of your successor's speech? I thought

1:38:12 > 1:38:15it was absolutely inspiring. I am not just saying no. It was full of

1:38:15 > 1:38:20passion and purpose. She laid down a very clear message of what she

1:38:20 > 1:38:23was to deliver and she also laid out the heart of what the

1:38:23 > 1:38:30Conservatives believe is the United Kingdom. That will be the

1:38:30 > 1:38:33touchstone for everything they are doing. There is this business about

1:38:33 > 1:38:38that the Shaikh, did apologise, end the ringing of hands. What do you

1:38:38 > 1:38:43make of that? They are saying the gloves are off. The battle-lines

1:38:43 > 1:38:47are drawn. People are coming up to me in the street saying, we want to

1:38:47 > 1:38:57stop this independence drive, what are you doing about it? Both David

1:38:57 > 1:38:58

1:38:58 > 1:39:08Cameron and won have Bradley said the moment is here, -- both David

1:39:08 > 1:39:11Cameron and Ruth have said the moment is here. I am a Scot who

1:39:11 > 1:39:16sits for the Conservatives in Westminster. I am passionate about

1:39:16 > 1:39:20defending the junior. The purpose is about getting jobs in Scotland

1:39:20 > 1:39:23and getting people in Scotland back to work. We can only do that with

1:39:23 > 1:39:29stability. Uncertainty over the future does not give us that

1:39:29 > 1:39:34stability. A no compromise with the nationalists. How do you interpret

1:39:34 > 1:39:39that? I interpret that as meaning they will be no compromise with the

1:39:39 > 1:39:45nationalists. We are the premiere Unionist Party in a spot of. We

1:39:45 > 1:39:49will work with other parties to ensure that the union is not broken.

1:39:49 > 1:39:53You are say you are the premier union party? Isn't that they to

1:39:53 > 1:39:58aggravate Labour and the Liberal Democrats and in the same breath,

1:39:58 > 1:40:05you are calling them to work with you? I think they can make the same

1:40:05 > 1:40:10claim I have made. If they are, they can show us how it is done.

1:40:10 > 1:40:14You are asking Eddie joined you. this will be a campaign that is

1:40:14 > 1:40:19genuinely across the parties. People across Scotland will be

1:40:19 > 1:40:24invited to take part in that. We have to make sure this has got an's

1:40:24 > 1:40:28campaign. Annabel Goldie, another big issue from Ruth Davidson. When

1:40:28 > 1:40:32the tax part of the Bill is placed, when the circumstances are right,

1:40:32 > 1:40:37she is talking about cutting income tax in Scotland. That could be

1:40:37 > 1:40:42popular here but Mark's was it just aren't going to welcome that in

1:40:42 > 1:40:46England. Already, the reality of devolution is that over a whole

1:40:46 > 1:40:49range of things, with the powers that we have, we do things

1:40:49 > 1:40:53differently. I think Mark and his colleagues in Westminster

1:40:53 > 1:40:56understand that. That is the reality of devolution. The new

1:40:57 > 1:41:00powers coming through with his got and built, I think they are very

1:41:00 > 1:41:02important for the Scottish Parliament and will give it this

1:41:02 > 1:41:07combination of not just responsibility for spending money

1:41:07 > 1:41:11but some degree of accountability and responsibility for raising the

1:41:12 > 1:41:16money, I think is an important discipline and that is what will be

1:41:16 > 1:41:21interesting to see how some of the other parties like the SNP make of

1:41:21 > 1:41:26that. Mark, how would you explain to your constituents south of the

1:41:26 > 1:41:31border that the Scots can cut income tax? My constituents would

1:41:31 > 1:41:35Tissier prospers -- a prosperous got there. If we can see tax cuts

1:41:35 > 1:41:42taking place that make saw that an attractive place for investments,

1:41:42 > 1:41:46my constituents will welcome that. What we want to do is to be able to

1:41:46 > 1:41:49make Scotland a haven for investments. Companies are worried

1:41:49 > 1:41:52about coming to Scotland at the moan because they don't know what

1:41:52 > 1:42:00Alex Salmond's plans are. We need to get that out of the way a get

1:42:00 > 1:42:05jobs going in Scotland. That offer, essentially cutting taxation when

1:42:06 > 1:42:11it is founded upon the taxation bill going through but the former

1:42:11 > 1:42:15Secretary said that he regarded the Scotland Bill as a Trojan horse.

1:42:15 > 1:42:19think the Scotland Bill is essential. We need is the ability

1:42:19 > 1:42:22in Scotland. The problem for constituents south of the border

1:42:22 > 1:42:27and their concern over spending is governed is they feel that money is

1:42:27 > 1:42:31being spent here that it is not being raised here. That is not the

1:42:31 > 1:42:41case. We need to be demonstrated more clearly. That is what the tax

1:42:41 > 1:42:50changes in Scotland are all about. An inspired view. And a new logo,

1:42:50 > 1:42:57as well? What would be your choice for a new logo? A tree? That is

1:42:57 > 1:43:01putting me in the spot. I am not going to fall foul of my new leader.

1:43:01 > 1:43:04These are important steps for the party to take. They will be

1:43:04 > 1:43:09significant, not just for the negative. I thought the most

1:43:09 > 1:43:13powerful thing she said the members was that unless you exist in a

1:43:13 > 1:43:17campaign and advance the political arguments that we as Conservatives

1:43:17 > 1:43:21believe in and show the dividing lines and the dividing line between

1:43:21 > 1:43:27us and the other parties. She is saying it is moribund in some

1:43:27 > 1:43:31areas? No, she is saying that the party needs to look at the whole

1:43:31 > 1:43:36issue of political campaigning. We believe in different policies to

1:43:36 > 1:43:41other parties, let's get out and sing that song lads and clear.

1:43:41 > 1:43:45on this point of organisation, some would say it is shovelling the

1:43:45 > 1:43:49chairs but do you think it is important? Yes, Scottish party is

1:43:50 > 1:43:53not as strong as it used to be. We need to work together. Colleagues

1:43:53 > 1:43:57south of the border like myself will be doing that. We need good

1:43:57 > 1:44:01Scots coming forward and offering themselves for public service.

1:44:01 > 1:44:05Don't leave it to someone else. If you are a conservative and you

1:44:05 > 1:44:10think you can play a part, come forward and do it. On the same

1:44:10 > 1:44:14point, candidate selection, she is obviously planning some big changes.

1:44:14 > 1:44:19Yes, indeed. The fact that she thinks the big changes are needed

1:44:19 > 1:44:23means she things there was a problem in the past. What is that

1:44:23 > 1:44:30problem? The problem was that we were too conservative, we were

1:44:30 > 1:44:34resistant to change. We are now adapting to the political party --

1:44:34 > 1:44:37climate in Scotland. These changes mean we can go forward and engage

1:44:37 > 1:44:42with a whole new generation of young Scots. These are young Scots

1:44:42 > 1:44:46were here this week. We have thousands of new members playing

1:44:46 > 1:44:54their role in that. Joss-sticks burning, the helicopter above,

1:44:54 > 1:45:02there is a demonstration organised and the helicopters are keeping an

1:45:02 > 1:45:07eye on them and probably just as well. Now, during a debate during

1:45:07 > 1:45:13energy policy, delegates had fully read and Westminster in their sides.

1:45:13 > 1:45:23The stellar wind farm development across got and also came in for

1:45:23 > 1:45:27I believe that the current construction of so many wind farms,

1:45:27 > 1:45:37or onshore and offshore, is the most are seriously damaging and

1:45:37 > 1:45:39

1:45:39 > 1:45:47destructive policy being inflicted on Scotland today. APPLAUSE. It is

1:45:47 > 1:45:51a damaging policy for many reasons. Firstly, it damages our industry

1:45:51 > 1:45:57where Claridge increases in the price of energy which threatens

1:45:57 > 1:46:03competitiveness. We are in a delicate economic recovery rates

1:46:03 > 1:46:08and purpose in making our industry uncompetitive is madness. Our

1:46:08 > 1:46:15environment is damaged by the loss of truly beautiful places. Some

1:46:15 > 1:46:21figures show that in 2002, 40% of our wild places remain in Scotland.

1:46:21 > 1:46:27By 2009, those had reduced to 28%. Sadly, there are no up-to-date

1:46:27 > 1:46:33figures, but for sure it has got worse. My own brief on our council

1:46:33 > 1:46:38is planning and environment. I want to support this motion because wind

1:46:38 > 1:46:43farms at giant con. Figures from the Department of Energy and

1:46:43 > 1:46:48climate change sure that wind farms in the United Kingdom earned 1,100

1:46:48 > 1:46:57million pounds for their owners. A �500 million of this was

1:46:57 > 1:47:03electricity, �600 million of this was subsidy. Who pays the subsidy?

1:47:03 > 1:47:10A householder. During the winter, there are times when less than 1%

1:47:10 > 1:47:14of our electricity needs are generated from wind farms. But,

1:47:15 > 1:47:20hang on, at the lights didn't go out, did they? Know they did not.

1:47:20 > 1:47:25Because there have to be back-ups - - back-up stations, gas or coal.

1:47:25 > 1:47:29And as these power stations switched on and off, the use more

1:47:29 > 1:47:39fuel and admit more carbon in exactly the same way as when you're

1:47:39 > 1:47:40

1:47:40 > 1:47:45driving your car. So the car in is getting emitted in bigger

1:47:46 > 1:47:51quantities. That is not being green. And the person who is paying for it

1:47:51 > 1:48:01is the householder. Fuel poverty is rising and the Eco zealots at think

1:48:01 > 1:48:01

1:48:01 > 1:48:06it is fine. It is not. APPLAUSE. am not and you wind farm. I think

1:48:06 > 1:48:09they are all right if they are in the right place. And if people and

1:48:10 > 1:48:15the planners and the Government listen to local communities. I do

1:48:15 > 1:48:21not just say that because my son at belts wind farms, but I have two

1:48:21 > 1:48:26main issues here. One was raised by Anne Cowan. That is that despite

1:48:26 > 1:48:32what local communities say, now I represent the area that is the last

1:48:32 > 1:48:38wilderness in Europe. Tourism is our main industry in the Highlands.

1:48:38 > 1:48:4220% of Dot -- of jobs are in hospitality. People do have serious

1:48:42 > 1:48:47concerns in the Highlands and Islands about where wind farms are

1:48:47 > 1:48:52and the effect on tourism and the effect on their lives. These are

1:48:52 > 1:48:56not unreasonable people and they are not people who are anti- wind

1:48:56 > 1:49:01farm 100%. They are reasonable people putting forward reasonable

1:49:01 > 1:49:06views to their elected members and the elected members vote against

1:49:06 > 1:49:11the wind farms, the communities have petitions and petitions

1:49:11 > 1:49:15against the wind farms, but they know in their Hearts that when that

1:49:15 > 1:49:20application get to the Scottish Government, because of the pursuit

1:49:20 > 1:49:24of renewable targets, their voices will not be heard. I do not think

1:49:24 > 1:49:29there is anybody here who is anti- renewable energy. I think we have

1:49:29 > 1:49:39seen the role of renewable energy has to play, whether it is Hydro,

1:49:39 > 1:49:43biomass, alter our technologies. I think there are many people who on

1:49:43 > 1:49:48a small-scale pieces would except wind onshore or offshore. But what

1:49:48 > 1:49:55people are fed up with is the headlong rush into onshore wind

1:49:55 > 1:50:00farm development. I am joined now from Troon by the

1:50:00 > 1:50:04Scottish Conservative leader of Ruth Davidson. Congratulations on

1:50:04 > 1:50:11your maiden speech to conference. I would like a bit more detail

1:50:11 > 1:50:15about... Not my maiden speech! would like a little bit more detail

1:50:15 > 1:50:19about this umbrella group that you're trying to forge with it the

1:50:19 > 1:50:23other Unionist parties. You were setting out your stall as the

1:50:23 > 1:50:28premier Unionist Party in asking others to join you. What we have

1:50:28 > 1:50:35done at this conference is unveil our own campaign group called

1:50:35 > 1:50:39Conservative friends to the union and asked people, anyone who wants

1:50:39 > 1:50:43to help campaign, as we said yesterday we will link that in with

1:50:43 > 1:50:47the umbrella group when it comes forward. I said today that the

1:50:47 > 1:50:52people of Scotland are looking for all political leaders of Tunis

1:50:52 > 1:50:55parties to work together and that is what I plan to do. So will we

1:50:55 > 1:51:00get arable Goldie working with Alistair Darling? Is that the top

1:51:00 > 1:51:07of the umbrella group? You know you're fishing for information and

1:51:07 > 1:51:12I do not think I am the right person to give it you. I will be

1:51:12 > 1:51:18working with John Lamond and David Mundell from my own party to make

1:51:18 > 1:51:21sure that there is a concerted you that all unionists across Scotland

1:51:21 > 1:51:25and the ANC political leadership in this. What is more important in

1:51:25 > 1:51:31this is that it is not just about people who are members of political

1:51:31 > 1:51:37parties, it is about civic Scotland as well. It is about academics, the

1:51:37 > 1:51:41business community, just ordinary voters who are happy and proud to

1:51:41 > 1:51:45be Scottish, may even feel more Scottish than British, but they

1:51:45 > 1:51:53still feel British to and they do not want that British part of them

1:51:53 > 1:51:58taken away. You work Topping in your speech and you accused -- you

1:51:58 > 1:52:05accused Alex Salmond of dithering. You're not paying much heed to the

1:52:05 > 1:52:12Westminster consultation on this. We have seen a good response to the

1:52:12 > 1:52:15Westminster consultation. I have always said that I want to see a

1:52:15 > 1:52:18question put to the people of Scotland because I think delay is

1:52:19 > 1:52:28damaging business. We have had a number of businesses come out and

1:52:29 > 1:52:30

1:52:30 > 1:52:36say the very same thing. Are they are saying that this sort of delay

1:52:36 > 1:52:40is damaging business. What you are actually promising and in terms of

1:52:40 > 1:52:46more powers for Scotland. David Cameron said yesterday that he was

1:52:46 > 1:52:50open to the transfer of more powers. Are you are open-minded about that?

1:52:50 > 1:52:57Because David Cameron pulled the rug from underneath your famous

1:52:57 > 1:53:01line in the sand which you announced last November. What I was

1:53:01 > 1:53:05saying last summer or when I was talking about the Scotland Bill was

1:53:05 > 1:53:09that the most important thing was to get that bill it in and working

1:53:09 > 1:53:13on the ground to see that massive transfer of powers that is coming

1:53:13 > 1:53:16and I am pleased to see this week that we have an agreement between

1:53:16 > 1:53:20Scotland's two governments that these powers will be transferred.

1:53:21 > 1:53:25It is the biggest transfer of fiscal power in more than 300 years

1:53:25 > 1:53:31and as I was saying today, let us look at using those powers. I

1:53:31 > 1:53:36aspire for Scotland to be a look at -- low-tax economy. What more

1:53:36 > 1:53:41powers could there be? You were saying yesterday that will be

1:53:41 > 1:53:45announced after the referendum. It is it surprising we have no general

1:53:45 > 1:53:53overall strategic approach to the United Kingdom or a full also be

1:53:53 > 1:53:57about what powers there could be. think the question here is about

1:53:57 > 1:54:00what Scotland wants. Does it want a separate Scottish state or does it

1:54:01 > 1:54:06want to be part of a devolved United Kingdom? That is the

1:54:06 > 1:54:09question. Then if there are calls from other people and to debates

1:54:09 > 1:54:14within political parties, debates going on across so that Scotland,

1:54:14 > 1:54:23in people's houses round the dinner people about whether they want more

1:54:23 > 1:54:33powers or not, then let us look at that. As far as I see it, there is

1:54:33 > 1:54:34

1:54:34 > 1:54:38no consensus. I am keen to see what it is that Scotland wants.

1:54:38 > 1:54:44people like Alex Ferguson are supporting that all --. Looking at

1:54:44 > 1:54:54the Scotland Bill, you are looking quite centre right. In other

1:54:54 > 1:54:55

1:54:55 > 1:54:58speeches you have made... How does that go down in Scotland? I empt

1:54:58 > 1:55:06the leader of a centre-right party so I hardly think that is a

1:55:06 > 1:55:10revelation or their headline of the day! I think I was quite clear in

1:55:10 > 1:55:15the speech when I said that we need to look at what the economic

1:55:15 > 1:55:20situation is in Scotland, but as a centre-right party we aspire to use

1:55:20 > 1:55:30the tax varying powers that be have in Scotland for to lower taxes.

1:55:30 > 1:55:30

1:55:30 > 1:55:35were also talking about a reform of the party. As the former Tory MSP

1:55:35 > 1:55:40said, if the party was a faithful old found it to be on the way to

1:55:40 > 1:55:48the vet to be cut out of its misery. Do you think it is the end of the

1:55:48 > 1:55:53road? Can you attract new voters? think the only people who got put

1:55:53 > 1:55:56out of the Conservative Party was Brian Monteith! The opinions that

1:55:56 > 1:56:06are in caring about his change in the party and I was given a mandate

1:56:06 > 1:56:07

1:56:07 > 1:56:11to change the party. We have got people coming to our party. When I

1:56:11 > 1:56:17was elected there were fewer than 9,000 members, we now have more

1:56:17 > 1:56:21than 11,000 members. I hope very much that we can use the platform

1:56:21 > 1:56:27at the local Government elections as the next stage in our revival in

1:56:27 > 1:56:32Scotland, I do think when it comes to this issue... Our support for

1:56:32 > 1:56:38the United Kingdom is in our DNA. Are you more Scottish or more

1:56:38 > 1:56:43British? I am Scottish, I am British, I'm conservative and I'm

1:56:43 > 1:56:47proud of all three. It does not matter to people out there in which

1:56:48 > 1:56:50proportion they are, but if they want to stay part of Britain and to

1:56:50 > 1:56:56know what Alex Salmond to take their Britishness away from them,

1:56:56 > 1:57:01they will vote to save the Union. Thank you very much.

1:57:01 > 1:57:07Just time for one final thought in the company of Professor John

1:57:07 > 1:57:10Carter's. Any thoughts on that? There are a couple of things I will

1:57:10 > 1:57:14take from this. One is that the Conservatives are acknowledging

1:57:14 > 1:57:18that most people in Scotland are at more likely to feel Scottish than

1:57:18 > 1:57:22Britain but also appreciate that people of Scotland also feel

1:57:22 > 1:57:25British and the are opening -- hoping to strengthen that sense of

1:57:25 > 1:57:32Britishness and appealed to that for to build their case for the

1:57:32 > 1:57:36union. The second thing I take from this is I am still not very clear

1:57:37 > 1:57:39and I do not think the public are very clear as to where the

1:57:39 > 1:57:44Conservatives stand on whether or not Scotland might have more

1:57:44 > 1:57:49devolved power within the Union. We are told it seems that we are not

1:57:49 > 1:57:53going to be told anything before 2014, your Ruth Davidson has

1:57:53 > 1:57:58suggested that she wants to wait to see how the powers are in effect

1:57:58 > 1:58:03which is not until 2016. At the same time, she also said yesterday

1:58:03 > 1:58:07that she is thinking of building policy proposals that will be in

1:58:07 > 1:58:12the Conservative's 2015 manifesto. That does not all add up. It is

1:58:12 > 1:58:16difficult to believe that you can have a policy that you would not

1:58:16 > 1:58:19announce before 2014 and you certainly cannot announce that

1:58:19 > 1:58:24policy for the 2015 manifesto if you have to wait for the Scotland

1:58:24 > 1:58:28Bill powers to be introduced in 2016. I think in truth the

1:58:28 > 1:58:38Conservatives still need to get their act together on this issue.

1:58:38 > 1:58:39

1:58:39 > 1:58:45Thank you very much. Our live TV coverage is now a