During a visit to the Scottish Borders today, the Rt Hon William Hague MP was stressing the importance of Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom. The Shadow Foreign Secretary and former Leader of the Conservative Party was visiting the Borders to support local Conservative candidate, John Lamont and his bid for election to the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Hague said "It is three hundred years ago this week that the Union of Scotland and England was created and it is great to be here in the Scottish Borders to mark that occasion. There is no question that it has made Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom stronger. It contributes massively to our culture, strength and prosperity whilst enabling us to maintain a proud sense of national and local identity."
"The Conservative Party is the staunchest supporters of the Union. The Labour/Lib-Dem Scottish Executive has failed to deliver what Scotland wants. Meanwhile, the SNP are now playing on people's frustration and disappointment by offering to take Scotland out of the United Kingdom."
Mr Hague added "We must support the Union and the Scottish Parliament's place within it. Our task is to make the Parliament work by sorting out what matters to Scotland - stopping NHS cuts, addressing escalating drug abuse, combating rising crime and improving education for everyone. I know that John Lamont will stand up for the Borders in the Scottish Parliament on these, and many other issues."
John Lamont said "I am delighted to welcome William Hague to the Borders today. With the SNP talking about destroying the United Kingdom, I believe we need to defend the Union more robustly than ever before."
"With the Liberal Democrats refusing to rule out forming a coalition with the SNP after the elections in May, it is crucial that voters know what is at stake when they cast their votes. The future of our country is at stake."