Scottish Tory leader Findlay says SNP's indy 'obsession' is dangerously irresponsible

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has described the SNP's "obsession" with independence as "dangerously irresponsible".

First Minister John Swinney has said he wants to hold a second Scottish independence referendum by 2031, despite successive prime ministers refusing to countenance another poll.

Findlay told the Conservative Party's UK conference that while the United Kingdom continues to face "grave threats" from China, Russia and Iran, a divided UK would be "a gift to our enemies".

And he called on Swinney to respect the result of the 2014 referendum where a majority of Scots voted no to independence.

Findlay told delegates: "We face Russian hostility in our waters and Iranian plots on our streets. These totalitarian regimes want a divided United Kingdom.

"And we have SNP politicians who share that aim. They want to shut down Faslane. They oppose Britain's armed forces. They would make us less safe.

"In today's volatile world, relentless SNP chatter about independence is no longer just a dangerous distraction. It is now dangerously irresponsible."

The Scottish Tory leader also used his speech to attack what he described as the SNP's "broken" benefits system.

He said the Scottish government's approach was trapping people in a life of misery on "Benefits Street" and also giving the green light to "chancers and crooks".

"My party values the safety net of social security, despite the tiresome anti-Tory tropes peddled by our rivals," Findlay said.

"But Scotland's benefits system under the SNP is broken. Around one pound of every seven spent by them goes on benefits.

"By 2031, Scotland's benefits bill will be more than £9bn. That's more than we spend on schools, universities, colleges, police, courts and prisons combined.

"Social security should be there for times of need, it shouldn't be a lifestyle choice."

Findlay said the Scottish Tories would launch a Benefit Fraud Bill to help recover overpayments.

"We will demand taxpayers' get their money back, instead of just asking nicely.

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

"Driving licences could be confiscated if refunds are not forthcoming. Our law would double the maximum sentence for benefit fraud to 10 years.

"Benefits should be for those suffering genuine hardship.

"That would deliver true fairness, dignity and respect."

The Scottish Tory leader went on to criticise John Swinney for "cosying up to Sinn Fein" at a recent summit in Cardiff.

Findlay said: "Since Mr Swinney was a teenager, all he's cared about is breaking up the United Kingdom.

"Sorry Mr Swinney, and your new friends in Sinn Fein, but we won't let that happen.

"Let's not forget that Sinn Fein has never denounced the IRA slaughter of innocent men, women and children.

"Yet Mr Swinney works with them to destroy the United Kingdom. A disgrace."