Tory likens SNP/Labour coalition to Syrian regime

George Jabbour, the Conservative candidate for Inverclyde, attacked the “short-term populism” of both Labour and the SNP.

Mr Jabbour, who was born in Syria and became a British citizen just over three years ago, warned in countries such as Greece, Spain and Portugal the “most vulnerable” people had suffered as a result of austerity imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He told the Scottish Conservative conference in Edinburgh Britain had avoided this fate as a result of the “difficult decisions” made by the Tory-led government. Mr Jabbour, who moved to the UK to study finance, said: “You don’t need a masters in finance to realise that the policies of Labour and the SNP don’t add up. I worked in banking and I advised governments on their finances. I worked with countries such as Greece, Portugal and Spain.

“I saw how when governments lose control of their finances the IMF intervenes and imposes severe abrupt cuts to their health services, education and other public services, affecting the most vulnerable people in their societies. Thanks to the difficult decisions made by this Conservative government such dramatic measures were not needed in Britain.”

He added: “In contrast, Ed Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon have a socialist ideology not very different from the one I have left behind in Syria. On the other hand we, the Conservatives, have a long-term plan for the economy, the Union and the country.

“So, for the sake of the most vulnerable in our society, all of Britain must vote for the Conservatives this May.”

An SNP spokesman said: “This absurd and offensive comment shows that the Tories continue to be the nasty party – Ruth Davidson must immediately apologise for these remarks.”