First Minister accuses Tories of trying to silence Scottish voice in EU vote
Nicola Sturgeon has accused the Scottish Conservative Party of wanting to silence Scotland's vote to remain in the European Union.
Nicola Sturgeon has accused the Scottish Conservative Party of wanting to silence Scotland's vote to remain in the European Union.
The First Minister's comments came as she addressed the SNP's National Council in Perth on Saturday.
The SNP leader also accused the Scottish Tories of wanting to roll back the gains of devolution'' at the expense of Scottish jobs and living standards.
Ms Sturgeon, said: When it comes to Europe the Scottish Tories are showing their true colours.
Week after week in the Scottish Parliament the Tories vote against continuing membership of the European Single Market.
They have turned their backs on the moderates in their own party.
They are now enthusiastic members of the Conservative faction which has hi-jacked the EU referendum result and is demanding a hard Brexit.
A hard Tory Brexit will cut trade, cost jobs and lower living standards.
The Scottish Tories are not just putting party before country - they're putting the right-wing of the Tory party before country.
They are embarrassed that there was on overwhelming majority for Remain in Scotland.
The Tories want to silence Scotland. But we, the SNP, will make Scotland's voice heard.''
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said:
The SNP doesn't have form for respecting the outcome of referendums, and it's proving as much again today.
Ruth Davidson is the only party leader in Scotland who has accepted the result, and now wants to make it work for Scotland.
Everyone else, especially Nicola Sturgeon, is in denial.''
Meanwhile, the First Minister today revealed that Kevin Stewart MSP and local government convenor Susan Aitken will co-chair the SNP's campaign for next year's local government elections.
Ms Sturgeon set out her party's commitment to working hard for communities across the country and set a challenge to SNP delegates to end years of ineffective Labour administration'' in Glasgow.
A Scottish Labour spokesman said: Under Labour, Glasgow has seen the biggest school investment programme, and the city has the largest growing economy outside London.
A Scottish Labour spokesman said: Under Labour, Glasgow has seen the biggest school investment programme, and the city has the largest growing economy outside London.
It was the first council to introduce the Living Wage and has a major apprenticeship programme.
Contrast that with an SNP government that is losing the confidence of the public over its handling of our schools, hospitals and trains.
The achievements under Labour in Glasgow have happened despite SNP cuts to local government.
Scottish Labour will fight next year's election on a platform to invest in our public services.''