PRESS RELEASE: For immediate release Date: 20th November 2014 LOCAL TORIES OUT OF TOUCH WITH ELECTORATE TORY politicians in the Borders are completely out of touch with their own electorate according to SNP MSP Christine Grahame. Ms Grahame is reacting the Scottish Borders Conservative and Unionist Association’s submission to the Smith Commission, which states “This important and significant constituency within the Scottish electorate id(sic) dismayed at the pandering to/appeasing of the Nationalists”. Ms Grahame said: “I am presuming John Lamont MSP and David Mundell MP are endorsing these comments as the submission was made on headed notepaper with their names as candidates for next year’s Westminster elections. Is this the true blue view? “It is just another example of how out of touch the tories are with the electorate in Scotland. In a recent survey I sent out to everyone in my constituency, more than 90% of those who responded wanted to see more powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament. “It is very short sighted of them to consider all those seeking further powers to be part of the SNP when there was such diversity amongst those campaigning for a yes vote including other parties and those not affiliated to any political party.” The submission also claims that politicians in Scotland have little understanding of finances and should concentrate on balancing budgets. Ms Grahame added: “The Scottish Government, despite swingeing cuts to its budget by the UK Government, has balanced the books for the last seven years, which is more than can be said for the Tory Government at Westminster. “David Cameron stated quite clearly the day after the referendum that the three pro-union parties had made commitments on further powers for the Scottish Parliament so why is the local group ignoring him? Their leader in Scotland also endorsed this position. “The tories insist the referendum was divisive and yet here they are, in their submission, completely ignoring the wishes of those who voted yes to Independence in the Scottish Borders. “I hope the Smith Commission will see it for what it’s worth, which in my view given the strength of feeling of people locally and nationally isn’t very much.” ENDS
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:38:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015