Holyrood elections: how can Scottish Tories cut through? | SpectatorTV

[@TheBossUke]

I'm a Scot, and I despair what is happening in Scotland, our government is unaccountable to anyone it seems. The sad fact is that the majority in Scotland insist on voting for an SNP party that has had an abysmal record since it took power. Scotland is changing for the worse, nationalism has tainted our country in the eyes of the world. God help us.

[@johnmcphee6098]

Very strange Bill they have been in power 14 years and by all accounts they will be elected again so I'm guessing some Scots are very happy with them .

[@Johns051]

I agree, but what is the opposition? who else can we vote for?

[@martindornan1667]

@@Johns051 In the 2019 general election in Scotland the conservatives lost 7 MPs and were left with 6 MPs and Labour got 1MP, SNP must be doing something right.

[@gordonbradley3241]

As an Englishman in England it hasn't escaped our notice that Scotland is considerably better governed than the rabble of Tory liars crooks and looters we're cursed with here in england !

[@jmca3324]

You're right , English nationalism has made the whole U.K. a laughing stock . Self determination is our only chance for stability

[@diprosalic9290]

Never going to happen, most of Scotland hates 'Tories' because they've been brought up to think that way.

[@brandonwright1791]

I'm from Newcastle, shipyards and coal mines and we blame the Tories for their destruction but time goes by and situations change. Nowadays Labour is the enemy here and I'll vote for any party that isn't left wing these days. Maybe the Scots need to sit up and pay attention to how parlous Scotland is through the SNP's stewardship and let bygones be bygones. We Geordies are every bit as proud as you lads and we swallowed our pride and went with what was best.

[@brandonwright1791]

@@aaronmason9332 These are extraordinary times, I strongly disagree with the Tories lockdown and you ought to know that even at the height of the Blitz people weren't forced to stay indoors, this current lockdown is without historic precedent. However, do you really think that we'd be in this position without Covid?

[@Trevor_Austin]

@@brandonwright1791 The Tories have been blamed for every bad thing that has ever happened to the North-East. Unfortunately the unions, who are the main culprits of this gross generalisation, forget who amalgamated the coal mining operation in creating the NCB and shut pits on a scale that was never beaten by the Conservatives. The shipyards shut for a variety of reasons. The basic one was that British shipbuilding was outclassed by huge cheap welded ships built in the Far East. Unionisation didn’t help either. Simple things installing a porthole required sometimes required a dozen different trades where as in Korea is was done by the team. British unions made their case very well. They became unemployed. I’ll give you that the Tories certainly aren’t perfect. I don’t like they way they did business. But neither do the Labour Party. The North-East has had its share of very well dressed gentlemen in Saville Row suits spending time in swish restaurants discussing plastering and building contracts for public works. But at last the Geordies are thinking. The last election has shown that if you don’t come up with the goods you may lose your seat. At bloody last. Politicians are listening at last.

[@brandonwright1791]

@@Trevor_Austin Oh I know all that and I agree with you entirely. What I meant was the Tories were BLAMED for the destruction of our industries and whether that was right or wrong it's the perception that counts.

[@KeithWilliamMacHendry]

@@brandonwright1791 Scotland is a nation, not a city or region of England. The nation goes back a thousand years plus & retains its own separate law, education & although less relevant now, a reformed national church. I am well accustomed to people from Newcastle referring to Scots as porridge W*gs & other derogatory names, we'll make our own way thanks, without Labour or the Conservatives as they currently exist. People who have looked into the referendum figures from 2014 will be aware that 52% Scots born voted Yes, it was the substantial non-Scot vote that won the day for the British State, I'd never vote on an English plebiscite if I even could. The SNP aren't very good, many of us know that, however, there is too much presumption that they'd be in charge of an independent nation? I & others are well aware that things will be difficult for a number of years, unfortunately people swallowed the lies of the unionists in 1980's & 90's when we should have booted the British State into touch. Scotland would have been in a far better place now, however, the movement is still a worthy & noble aspiration & it isn't going away.

[@markfraser4254]

Scotland could only remain in the EU as part of the UK. Scotland never has been in the EU other than as part of the UK. Therefore in 2014 it was correct to say the only way for Scotland to remain in the EU was as part of the UK. In 2016 the EU referendum brought the whole of the UK out of EU so I fail to see how Scotland was misled in 2014.

[@chelseywatson1582]

Keep up the good work, Andrew! Great to see someone finally holding our politicians to account!

[@MeTheRob]

I am a Tory voting Englishman living in Scotland and I have never even heard of this guy. What a non-entity. No charisma. No strategy to oppose the SNP. Merely pointing out their many failings makes no difference.

[@oce1989]

You're not likely to hear his name in Scottish media unless he makes a cock-up. Fully agree though, very uninspiring.

[@martindornan1667]

His name is DRoss.

[@martinwhitefield1799]

I am a Tory voter in the Scottish Borders and we have a Tory MP and MSP. I am struck by what a wishy washy pair they are. If this is the state of conservatism in Scotland then the SNP will have a landslide in May. It’s soul destroying.

[@davidsomervaille5929]

Bella Donna I’ feel for you I know border people why are they not asking more questions right now snp is not the be and end all in that region I’m sure

[@martinwhitefield1799]

@@davidsomervaille5929 good question David. Our MP was formerly an MSP, our MSP formerly worked for our MP when he was MSP. Both make themselves impervious to direct questioning (I have tried) My pet name for them is the Parliamentary Pension Huggers.

[@johnscott-kw3bf]

Ross is the best.What are the rest like.?

[@martindornan1667]

@@johnscott-kw3bf In the 2019 general election in Scotland the conservatives lost 7 MPs and now just have 6MPs and Labour won 1 MP in Scotland. This suggests that the London Tory's branch office in Scotland isn't doing very well.

[@gordonbradley3241]

What exactly are you " conserving " ?

[@mrneiche]

How can Scottish Tories cut through? They can't. There - saved you 18 minutes.

[@ibukunogunfeitimi5645]

The Scottish election in May must never be determined purely on sentiment because historical data demonstrated that a change is long overdue moving forward via change. The SNP had had to be seen and judged based on performance and records in office. I am yet to be convinced that the SNP offers the best of the both worlds.

[@bigmanmichael3807]

this is why i love andrew neil, even though he's left the bbc and doesn't have to be unbiased, he is truly grilling someone who would help his political agenda

[@murray5629]

In my eyes it doesn’t matter what or who you support, you should always wish to hold your own politicians to account. And that is exactly what Andrew Neil does in such a great way

[@robmilligan1851]

Hmmmm, a "grilling"? No interruptions, relaxed, amenable tone, starts off by arguing the Tory position from the outset? It's like he's having a civil conversation with a chum! Neil is a bias as they come, he's a died in the wool Tory and this interview simply highlights Mr Neils lack of balance when compared to his interviewing of pro-Indy politicians.

[@bigmanmichael3807]

@@robmilligan1851 yes because giving someone a grilling has to mean interrupting them and acting like an asshole. i think you're forgetting that you can have a good polite interview and still tear into them. for example him constantly bringing up how if he can't break past 20% maybe he should leave office

[@robmilligan1851]

@@bigmanmichael3807 Oh please, you're embarrassing yourself.....that interview would have been a cakewalk for anyone you'd pick out of crowd in the street, never mind the apparent best the Scottish Tories have to offer. A "grilling"?? The whole charade came off as a couple of buddies shooting the breeze at the pub! Compare to the approach Neil adopts with any pro-independence politician, if your position had any credibility you would need to be able to explain why the marked difference in tone/attitude?

[@gordonbradley3241]

What is " illegal " about a non binding advisory referendum ? Please explain ? Wasn't the brexit referendum a non-binding advisory referendum ?

[@unoriginal_username1]

For god sake I love the Union 🇬🇧 but you can’t keep the Scots by economic arguments alone. Brexit was just as much hearts and minds as it was economics

[@Kaiserbill99]

It doesn't matter if the Tories "break through". All that matters is that Scots start to vote for anyone bar the SNP.

[@chrishutton5935]

He keeps saying public services are suffering but still performing better than the rest of the UK

[@andrewmaccallum2367]

Dross couldn't cut through the skin on a rice pudding , never mind anything else ! 😂

[@chuckylamb4398]

In the end they will reap what they sow!!

[@Johns051]

If this is the quality of the opposition in Scotland - Help, bring back the Monster Raving Loony Party all is forgiven

[@GunnySerg]

Ross, doesn't understand the problem, he has no solutions just repeats SNP failings. He is not a leader, strategist or competent. Ross is own goal scorer and should be replaced.

[@MeTheRob]

Agree 100% He has zero charisma, and nothing with which to face the strength of the SNP

[@scottishbombolini7794]

But he is the savior of the Union, he is just luring the now ProIndy majority of Scottish voters into a false sense of warmness, he will come good, one day soon, right after the everlasting, yet confusingly immanent collapse of the SNP.

[@kirks7143]

The question is ......why are you not doing better??? Answer .......oh look theres a squirrel!!! 😂😂

[@anindyamajumdar4088]

Squirrel Squirrel on the wall , which Tory is going to take a fall? LOL

[@robertryan6782]

They call it illegal or wildcat but how is that any different to the advisory European referendum?

[@gavinclark8941]

Well, we had better do something because if we dont then it's going to be more of the same, sliding ever closer to independence. FFS fellow Scots, cant you see the danger of voter apathy. Get them out! #SnPout🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@robmilligan1851]

Any chance of a positive case which suggests we should vote for the Tories?

[@sylviaminter4247]

Instead of telling people not to vote tell them to get out and vote and vote NO

[@tomw665]

By taking part and voting you are validating it as an actual election. I will not take part in an illegal election. Let them get 95% for Yes, it will be clear it was a phony election.

[@tomhill4738]

@@tomw665 It will be a legal election according to the Scotland Referendum Act 2020 and if that's contested it will be decided in the Scottish Court of Sessions. Self determination is enshrined in UN law and the Helsinki Declaration.

[@anindyamajumdar4088]

Can't argue with that!

[@jmca3324]

The only reason people won't vote is because they know they'll lose so seem to void the result . Unionists like you do not respect democracy

[@andymrkipling]

Shame the internet couldn't hold out here. Andrew Neil should lead the Scottish Tories.

[@martindornan1667]

Andrew Neil was a member of the conservative club and chairman of federation of Conservative students. He is clearly a British nationalist and against the SNP. Maybe the conservatives should ask him he can't be any worse than DRoss.

[@mrtractormaster2569]

Dearie me, the Tories are becoming the best recruiting sergeants for the SNP!

[@susannamarker2582]

At the Holyrood elections, scottish non-SNP voters don't turn out to vote. 2011 and 2016 show that. People up here really must get the voting habit.

[@georget5874]

because a lot of unionists think the scottish parliament is a bit like childrens playground and pointless waste of space...

[@susannamarker2582]

@@georget5874 You're right, non-SNP voting Scots need to invest into Holyrood, instead of hoping it's existence will be deemed illegal one day.

[@lynhugell6563]

Reform should put up candidates.

[@RobbieBaldphotography2]

Andrew Neil is laughing at Douglass and Neil is hardcore conservative goodbye Douglas prisoner convict

[@rahbourelas6457]

It is absolutely necessary for the SNP to focus the press and the public away from their abysmal record on running Scotland. It is equally necessary for the parties which do not wish that Scotland becomes a vassal state within the EU Brussels Dictatorship (which is, after all, what the SNP means by " independence "), do not join together to defeat the SNP + Greens and their destructive desire to cede sovereignty to a foreign dictatorship! It is about time for these diverse parties to drop their selfishness and fight for the best interests of the Scots. The SNP fights for their interests, not those of the Scots or Scotland!

[@looneytoons171]

Andrew Neil can barely contain himself from cracking up at how pathetic the Scottish conservatives are. Scotland needs a stronger voice against the SNP and especially sturgeon and Douglass Ross is not it!

[@martindornan1667]

Andrew Neil was a member of the conservative club and chairman of federation of Conservative students. He is clearly a British nationalist and against the SNP. Maybe the conservatives should ask Andrew Neil to take over. He couldn't be any worse than DRoss.

[@alistairewen9558]

They can't.

[@zonianfjb]

As a Scottish voter I would much rather Boris leading the Scottish Tories than this guy. Ross has no ideas, no belief in the UK, no charisma, nothing. At best he is an administrator not a leader. All he is doing is emulating Nicola without the message of independence. When are the Scottish Tories going to realise that unless they send out pro-British, pro-Union messages in everything they say about Scotland, and encourage Scots to be proud of their Britishness, and support the UK in Brexit, and publicly support the UK government on reserved issues, the SNP will win FOREVER until the Union falls. The alternative needs to be not just clear but positive and powerful.

[@janicecowan7177]

The people are concerned about social housing and welfare benefits. Fed up with charities supporting the Scottish people because SNP government reneged on their promise to make life fairer and better for the Scottish people. They have done Nothing so our education, housing, welfare benefits and medical needs have all fallen.

[@stuartburgess2626]

Enjoyable music at the end, a good interview conducted by Andrew Neil (as ever) & it was interesting as a resident in England to hear Douglas Ross saying 'outwith' in his remarks. My hope and prayer is that we remain a United Kingdom. 🇬🇧 Best wishes to all readers.

[@kirks7143]

Uninspiring??? Are you kidding we have been locked down in Scotland for almost a year bar about 6 weeks!!! So how the hell can they claim people are getting the con ......even christmas was cancelled!!!

[@Trevor_Austin]

The Scottish Tories have to play a different game. It starts with an honest acknowledgement that the electorate don’t so much as dislike you but detest you. You are also up against Queen Nicola, someone who could get away with strangling puppies and crapping on Mother Teresa’s grave. Firstly you speak a different language one they don’t understand. You can start by answering closed questions with a yes or no. With open questions don’t piss about with diversions. And ditch the tie, go smart casual. Let’s face it, your are starting from a weak position and if something doesn’t work, stop doing it.

[@scottishbombolini7794]

The Scottish Tories ain't jack shit, just a mere front for Westminster head office. There lies the beast, and it's incapable of changing it's spots, nor has any intention to do so.

[@Trevor_Austin]

@@scottishbombolini7794 Is there anything the Scottish Conservatives could do (rather than say they could do) to get your vote? I think the answer is no. I believe there exists a deep seated hatred, almost murderous hatred for the English in some Scottish cities. It’s a shame really because it’s not reciprocated. The unfortunate result of that is as a country you slowly losing your way. Scottish education used to be the very best in Britain. It’s health service was the equal. There were never to so many drug related deaths. The SNP’s grubby prints are all over this. You are also rapidly becoming dependent on English money to survive. Income from the financial services sector, from MOD contracts and so forth plus the abomination that is the Barnett Formula. Give Queen Nicola a few more years without a credible opposition and you’ll be scoring the biggest own goal ever because this income will disappear forever.

[@scottishbombolini7794]

@@Trevor_Austin First, perhaps, after Indy and removal of the branch office mentality. Then, tut tut, Anglo explains his belief regarding Scotland.....Sorry to break this to you Trevor....But England, and to a lesser extent the English, are just not that Important anymore, an self made Irrelevance after Brexit. And clearly from you're comments above, quite clueless to what drives folks like me to vote for dissolving the Union, and ending the UK. Quite convenient that it's all down to hating the English, not much thought need regarding Scotland after that all embracing propaganda, is there? We don't hate the English, it's pity we feel for some of them, even Tory voters like you, for you will be stuck with Westminster, and we won't. So Brexit away, take back control, enjoy you're British fish, but we walk a different path, now, and why should we not? Because Trevor believes otherwise, lol.

[@anindyamajumdar4088]

The Scottish Tories need to ditch the Baroness. She does not speak the same language.as the average Scots voters

[@martindornan1667]

Andrew Neil said no difference between coronavirus infections between countries. On the 19 Feb 2021 the Office of national statistics figures show the coronavirus infection rate in Scotland 1 in 180 people Wales 1 in 125 people England 1 in 115 people Northern Ireland 1 in 105 people So there is a difference in the infections between the countries and Scotland has the lowest infection rate of the 4 countries in the ONS report. Scotland met the target to vaccinate the first 4 groups of people by 15 Feb same as England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 25th February 2021 1,515,980 people in Scotland vaccinated.

[@kirks7143]

Remind me again how long he has been a politician 😂😂😂 lol the tories have no chance with this muppet He was just as rubbish as a refereee 😂😂😂

[@Bushcraft222]

Lololo

[@margaretfraser2604]

That's something I cannot understand why does that woman still have so much support. It's really frightening

[@watm80]

You should always lead with “if you believe the polls......”

[@mercomania]

Stop being liars and crooks would be a start.

[@robertogreen8769]

He is useless as a leader..SNP will wipe the floor with them.

[@kirks7143]

Errr snp havent been in power for 14 years 😂😂😂 he must have forgotten all about his unionist pals the red tories 😁😁😁

[@garypowell1540]

There are as many conservatives in the Scottish Conservative Party as there are in the English version which is very few indeed. Being a blue rosetted Fabian Socialist or Blairite is hardly much of a choice worth making from a red rosetted one. So why bother turning out at the polling station at all? What the people of Scotland want is a Nationalist Conservative Party which is what it says on the tin. A conservative party committed to the British Nation as a whole which is also seen as representing the particular interests of The Scottish People. Is that so much to ask? Come to think about it become exactly what the common people of both England, Wales, and Northern Ireland need to represent theirs. This is not rocket science. Dump all of the Globalist Blairite Bullshittery Boris and Nicola are so hopelessly corrupted by, like Global Climate Change Skullduggery and everything associated with it and go right back to the basic job of being at least adequate constituency MP's. The spoiled and indoctrinated offspring of these Conservative Clowns may have been scared half out of their witts by this particular episode of corporate-financed scam artistry but an ever-growing number of the grown-ups aren't buying any of it. Either take a big leaf out of Donald Trumps Book or keep losing or going nowhere, it really is that simple. Throwing insults at Sturgeon however well deserved, or results of public inquiries however damning, simply ain't going to cut it. This bunch of various crooks and clowns need to be thrown out and replaced with conservatives with some degree of basic intelligence, and minds of their own who do not so obviously have their hands or that of their Lairds in the Global Climate Change Cooky Jar.

[@neilcameron434]

I think there is now a big problem with trust as far as sturgeon and the Salmond inquiry that tories need to press even more. How do I know when sturgeon changes policy that she's not biased by the smoke screen effect it causes by diverting media attention? A prime example is coming next week, just as her husband is being shown as being incredibly uncomfortable in an interview she has the opportunity to cancel schools reopening in February. She has already laid the groundwork. At the very least the media attention this will draw is a nice side effect for her that is bound to bias her judgement.

[@carolynm6896]

Douglas Ross just isn't electable imho. There are better people to lead the party than him. Labour couldn't have chosen a worse time for a leadership election. SNP for another 4 years, whomsoever the leader may be by May. Sad.

[@markwebster243]

Sorry but Richard Lennon as is Willie rennie wet blankets,one still thinking the population pay union dues and the other just turning up and collecting his pay check without any scruples,even when labour get a new leader there is no incentive to go for the jugular.

[@carolynm6896]

@@markwebster243 I don't disagree, I just think the timing of stepping down has compounded the issues for their 2021'chances'.

[@bri5490]

The Conservatives, Lib Dem’s and Labour in Scotland must work together, by agreeing to candidates most likely to win against SNP MSPs in their constituencies. So for example, if the Lib Dem’s are most likely to win in that constituency, than Labour and Conservatives must agree to pull out their candidates as to not split the vote and vice versa. Also voters need to vote tactically. Instead of squabbling and being complacent, the unionist parties must unite for the national interest instead of prioritising party.

[@scottishbombolini7794]

Been working better together for years, and failing. Scottish voters are quite canny, regarding Westminster. Puts the present state of Unionist parties in an even worst light now, don't you agree.

[@bri5490]

@@scottishbombolini7794 the grievances caused by Westminster are not exclusively felt by Scottish voters, but effects everyone in the UK. Although the SNP are feeding their voters imaginary grievances as well. Every now and then, political institutions need to reform and a reformation is what we should seek as a unified front.

[@johnbull9195]

3% impact 😂

[@MrNemo-oi8cl]

It does not matter what the anti Scots SNP do a large part of the electorate will still vote for them, many blindly, others because they want a UK break up at any price.

[@margsomerville21]

Sadly snp collect their votes from the Brainwashed Schoolchildren and Immigrants

[@salamanco968]

A Yoon talking to a Loon.

[@ryandudley3616]

why wild cat? why can't it be wild dog? wild rabbit?

[@tomw665]

Publish your own dictionary then.

[@susannamarker2582]

We'll be boycotting any wildcat referendum, and Police Scotland should close the polling places.

[@aruithdearg76]

Another cover song to add to the linesmans greatest hits....get some policies Dross!

[@man-ty3jf]

Thank you Nicola, for your calm and clear leadership

[@joered1249]

Where is that leadership? We have the most deaths per capita from The Chinese flu,The most Drug related deaths in Europe.What was once the best Education system is now the worse in Europe, And this is all under the Auspices and mismanagement of The SNP and Sturgeon. After 14 years where is the improvements? We still have food banks and beggars on the streets Patriotism and Flag waving are all very well.But not at the expense of a Bankrupt Nation.

[@teemac148]

When did you get your lobotomy done ?.

[@woolyimage]

Is this the guy who's a football ref? Nobody knows he's in charge of anything and most don't care, including me. He's irrelevant.

[@zachariah4853]

Scottish Tory is pretty spineless. Vote reform!

[@jamesjackson7844]

Apparently the new preferred image for Nicola Sturgeon is Doc Martins and jeans instead of the mandatory 50’s costumes ?

[@robertryan6782]

I wish your preferred choice was to not have a ridiculous space before your question mark.

[@wildsurfer12]

Thankfully the SNP aren’t running as high as they were in the polls. Still high, but about as high as they were in 2016. So they might not get a majority after all.