Boris Johnson hails Union after Douglas Ross challenges UK party

Prime Minister Boris Johnson told BBC's Andrew Marr Show the Union was "one of the great achievements of this country"

The prime minister has said he does not think Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross was talking about him when he criticised UK government ministers.

On Saturday Mr Ross said he believed the case for separation was now "being made more effectively in London than it ever could in Edinburgh".

Asked directly about the comments Boris Johnson told BBC's Andrew Marr Show he personally valued the union.

Recent polls have showed a majority are now in favour of independence.

• Ross: Scottish independence 'not inevitable'

But Mr Ross used his first major speech to call on his party to end the "defeatism and disinterest" regarding Scotland's future in the UK.

He also told delegates at the Conservatives' virtual conference: "Many, including some who govern our country, want to see a UK government focused on England."

Mr Ross became Scottish Conservative leader in August after no-one else put their name forward to challenge him

Responding to the criticism, Mr Johnson said: "I think he was talking about those that don't value the Union in the way that I do.

"The Union is one of the great achievements of this country."

The prime minster said this has been "amply demonstrated" during the pandemic, citing the role of the armed services in delivering tests and the financial support given by The Treasury.

It was also put to him that the case for independence has been strengthened by his "signature policy" of Brexit and his "very, very unpopular" political personality north of the border.

The UK as a whole voted to leave the European Union, but in Scotland 62% of voters opted to remain.

Scottish government ministers believe staying the EU is the best option for Scotland and have criticised the UK government for "failing to engage meaningfully" with them over Brexit.

Mr Johnson said: "I think actually Brexit is a huge opportunity for Scotland and the bill that we are just getting through the House of Commons, the Internal Market Bill, will involve the devolution of substantial powers to Scotland and elsewhere."

The Scottish government disputes this, claiming a Westminster "power grab" is underway.

• What is the row over 'internal markets' all about?

Asked for his position on a Scottish independence referendum, should the SNP win a majority in 2021, the prime minister said: "I don't think this is the time for us to have another referendum."

He added that only six years had passed since the 2014 poll which the SNP had described as a "once in a generation" event.

In response, Scotland's deputy first minister, John Swinney said the prime minister would "change his tune" if the SNP get a majority in the 2021 election.

He told Politics Scotland: "Boris Johnson will not be able to sustain that position for a moment."

"No self-respecting democrat could stand in the way of the wishes of the people of Scotland," he added.