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Jackson Carlaw MSP has said that If elected leader he will immediately establish policy groups involving MSPs, councillors and others to review two key areas of immediate concern; a review of our support for the SNP Government’s plans for a single Scottish Police Force following the SNP’s cavalier disregard this week for the principle of an independent civil service following the remarks of Sir Peter Housden and an investigation into the proliferation of wind farm developments across Scotland.

Jackson has promised that there will be no more policy handed down by Tory ‘high command’ at Holyrood. Instead, councillors and others with direct experience will work with MSPs to evolve policy.

Jackson said

A single Scottish Police Force

“The SNP has demonstrated this week that it is happy to be cavalier with regard to respecting the political impartiality of the civil service in the wake of the ill-judged conduct of Sir Peter Housden.”

“We cannot allow policing to be determined, by one Party without reference to wider concerns. Nor can we risk any similar cavalier attitude towards Police impartiality. In many ways SNP belligerence illustrates the potential future problems a single Police Force might create.”

“Our support for a single Scottish Police Force was never unconditional. And the SNP has loftily dismissed the pre-condition we made for our support – namely the direct election of local Police Commissioners to ensure accountability.”

“Moreover, I am dismayed that we have adopted this policy in the face of widespread concern among our locally elected councillors, including those who sit on Police Boards. They believe that while savings can be made there are other key considerations too.”

“If elected Leader, I will instruct an immediate review of our policy, led by MSPs, conservative councillors and others both in and outside the Party who can contribute to the debate. The option of a reduction to three new Scottish Police Forces may prove to be less susceptible to political abuse.”

Windfarms

“What started as the development of key strategic renewable wind farm projects is becoming a seeming free for all of individual small wind power developments. While not significant in themselves, the cumulative force of their physical presence is transforming our landscape unchecked and in an entirely unplanned way.”

“We have a duty to the landscape, to tourism economy and to communities which must caution our support for each and every proposed development. Clearly we now urgently need a strategic plan for Scotland and a moratorium on fresh turbine approvals until we have one.”

“Under my leadership Scottish Conservatives will establish an urgent audit and review of the current wind farm map across Scotland and seek to establish a policy for future approvals which will protect Scotland’s landscapes with just as much emphasis as Scotland’s future energy needs.”