New Scottish Secretary says positive message will convince Scots to stay in UK
Alister Jack replaced David Mundell as Secretary of State for Scotland yesterday
Boris Johnson's appointment as Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack, says he will use a positive message to convince Scots that staying in the United Kingdom is preferable to Independence.
Mr Jack replaced David Mundell as the new Scottish Secretary last night during a massive cabinet reshuffle by the new Prime Minister.
Addressing how he would stop pro-Independence feeling in Scotland, he said:
"I'm not going to prevent Scotland from wanting to leave the UK.
"The reasons that Scotland are going to want to remain in the UK is because we are going to put a positive message forward."
Mr Jack said that he aims to show Scots "how good life can be after Brexit" by highlighting the strength economy and fighting for Scottish interests whilst in Government. He said:
"It's important in my role to be Scotland's man in the cabinet in Whitehall and to be pushing hard for as much investment and support as possible so it flourishes and business flourishes"
Mr Jack said Scotland would be prepared even if it leaves the European Union without a deal, something Boris Johnson has pledged to do if necessary.
The Dumfries and Galloway MP highlighted his belief that using the threat of leaving the EU without a deal will be an effective negotiating tactic, he said:
"I think we can really get stuck in as a Government now and prepare over the next three or four months so if we get pushed out of the EU as could happen by one of the EU partners using the veto, we are actually ready.
"We need to be ready because it could actually happen the other way around. I still believe that we will get a deal by keeping no-deal on the table and I desperately, desperately hope we do get a deal."
The Scottish Secretary is the least senior member on the newly appointed cabinet but isn't concerned about any perceived lack of experience in Government. Mr Jack said:
"I have a past career in business and in farming, I haven't come from purely a political background so I do have experience.
"Although I haven't been in parliament for a terribly long time I have been in the Government whips office so I do have ministerial experience." he said
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