'We stand on the brink of history. This is our cause and we shall not be found wanting'

Scottish Political Editor

Sunday 25 March 2012

RUTH Davidson yesterday cast herself as a central figure in a historic battle over the constitution, saying she "would not falter" in her defence of the Union.

Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson

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Scottish Tory Conference news. By Tom Gordon

Staking her career on the outcome of the 2014 independence referendum, the Scottish Tory leader said her party would "not be found wanting" in the contest ahead, and called on the Labour and Liberal Democrat leaders to work with her.

"Scotland expects us to lead and we will," she said. "Scotland expects us to put aside our differences and pull together for the common cause, to give a voice to the silent majority, to build a chorus across our nation."Today we stand on the brink of history. The world is watching. This is our cause and we will not be found wanting."In her first conference speech since being elected leader in November, Davidson also claimed the Tories could reclaim their "historical place as the voice and choice for mainstream Scotland".Echoing David Cameron's declaration on Friday that "the time for timidity is over", she said the way to revive fortunes was a return to unapologetic Tory policies on law and order and tax, such as whole-life sentences and lower income tax."We won't get support from hiding our light under a bushel, from saying nothing to offend, for apologising for being Conservatives. No more shy Tories, because there are dividing lines and we must never be afraid to speak out."Referring to the greater powers over income tax coming in the Scotland Bill, she said: "Our view is clear: to cut the tax burden faced by individuals and businesses."The 33-year-old Glasgow MSP promised root-and-branch reform to restore the party's campaigning operations, including a new policy board and candidate selection procedures – the latter a tacit admission that some councillors and MSPs are not up to scratch."We must make sure that all the talented people in our ranks can play their full part as we take our party forward," she said, announcing that deputy leader Jackson Carlaw would oversee the changes.Davidson also revealed the Scottish party's logo – a green and blue tree – was being axed as part of a rebranding exercise, promising to consult the members on a "dynamic new logo and image".But it was the Union which dominated a 25-minute speech that struggled to hit a Churchillian tone: "Friends, there are moments in history when it falls to a group of people to take a stand. To say what they believe in with conviction, with passion, with right on their side."Knowing that they speak for the silent majority of their fellow countrymen and women, and that they shall prevail. This is our time, our moment, our duty, our calling."The next 1000 days will shape the very future of our country forever. This is a battle we must win and that we will win. We will settle the separation question."Davidson went on: "This is my vow. When it comes to the very future of the country I love, I will not falter. As Conservatives, where we need to lead, we will lead. Where we need to join, we will join. And where we need to fight, we will not be found wanting."Davidson repeatedly accused Alex Salmond of neglecting the day-to-day work of the Scottish Government to pursue independence.Citing high employment, crime problems and gaps in childcare provision as examples of the First Minister taking his eye off the ball, she said: "Alex, get back to your desk, and get on with the job you were elected to do."However, attacking Salmond for obsessing about the constitution sat oddly with a conference devoted to the same subject.Earlier, Home Secretary Theresa May issued a coded warning about the threat of terrorism to an independent Scotland by emphasising the present cross-border police co-operation."The threat from terrorism shows no regard for borders," she said. "On several occasions, Scotland has been on the forefront of international terrorist attacks. When a bomb went off at Glasgow Airport the full resources of the UK state went into running down every lead."She said the same "extensive co-operation" was now protecting the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, with a national counter-terrorism exercise to prepare for the event next year.Labour demanded to know what services would be cut to pay for Davidson's tax cut.SNP MSP Chic Brodie said: "If a lacklustre speech with little vision for Scotland is the best the new leader of the Scottish Tories can do, the SNP is looking forward to even more people in Scotland opting for home rule with independence rather than Tory Westminster rule."

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'We stand on the brink of history. This is our cause and we shall not be found wanting'

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