The coming General Election on 4 July is an opportunity to beat the SNP and end their obsession with independence for good.

The General Election in the Borders is about beating the SNP so we can get all of the focus onto creating good jobs, reducing NHS waiting lists, fixing the roads, investing in schools and improving public services.

Just like in every other previous election, the result will be really close in the Borders. Every vote will count - and yours can make all the difference.

It's a straight fight here between me and the SNP candidate. A vote for any other party risks an SNP win. 

Only voting for the Scottish Conservatives will guarantee the best chance of beating the SNP candidate, who will only obsess about independence and not pay attention to the issues that really matter to you.

John Swinney has already said he will claim every seat the SNP wins - including here in the Borders - as a mandate to demand independence.

So together, let’s defeat the SNP so we can get the focus onto the positive plans I have set out which would build a brighter future for the Borders and deliver on our shared priorities.