Scottish independence: Theresa May warns of terror threat after UK split

THE Home Secretary, Theresa May, yesterday warned that an independent Scotland would be more at risk from the terrorist threat than it is as part of the United Kingdom.

Speaking at the Scottish Conservative conference, Theresa May said Scotland benefited from working jointly with security forces in other parts of the UK in the fight against the “scourge of international terrorism”.

In a speech entitled “Scotland better off in Britain”, the Home Secretary said: “The threat from terrorism shows no regard for borders.”

She was the last of several UK government ministers, including the Prime Minister David Cameron, to speak up in defence of the Union. Her speech concentrated on the effect of Scottish independence on national security.

SHe said: “Working together we are busting the international drug barons that ruin our communities, rip families apart and ravage the lives of so many.

“Working together we can look to the future – as a United Kingdom – sending our message that if people wish to threaten our security and way of life, then we stand ready together to do all we can to stop them in their tracks.

“Extensive co-operation between the UK and the Scottish Government has developed effective counter-terrorism capabilities,” May said.

“Working together, our governments have worked in preparation for the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Scottish police forces and those in England and Wales have been working closely to make this international event safe and secure for all to enjoy.”

She added: “Indeed, a national counter-terrorism exercise to test our preparedness in response to a terror threat for the 2014 Games will take place next year.”

May was speaking on the final day of the Scottish conference in Troon, which was dominated by the threat posed to the UK by Alex Salmond’s drive for independence.

May also claimed in her speech that independence would make Scotland vulnerable to mass immigration.

“In the UK we maintain control over our borders,” she said. “Joining Europe’s borderless Schengen area could open Scotland’s border up to mass immigration.”

The Schengen area allows free travel across signatory countries. The UK has an opt-out. Last night the SNP’s defence spokesman, Angus Robertson, said: “This is ridiculous Tory scaremongering which completely flies in the face of the facts.”