Ruth Davidson has staunchly defended immigrants by challenging the Conservatives to remember the people and families involved when deciding how to manage the UK’s borders.
The Scottish Tory leader also welcomed those who have already moved to the country, adding the party must remain “outward-looking” and optimistic in spirit.
Ms Davidson’s remarks came after International Trade Secretary Liam Fox suggested the immigration status of EU nationals living in Britain is “one of our main cards” in Brexit talks.
He said the status of the three million EU citizens cannot be guaranteed until Britons living in Europe receive similar assurances over whether or not they can stay where they currently are.
A backlash has also been prompted by Government proposals which could see businesses be made to list how many foreign workers they employ.
Speaking shortly before Prime Minister Theresa May delivered her keynote speech to the Tory conference in Birmingham, Ms Davidson said: “I once listened to Sir John Major tell of his childhood in Brixton, then an area where many new arrivals to Britain set up their first home.
“He talked of his Conservative values and those of his neighbours – and he said there is nothing as Conservative as pulling your loved ones close and striking out to build a better future for your family.
“So as we have difficult, but necessary, debates about how we manage borders in future, let us not forget that behind discussions of numbers and rules and criteria, there lies people and homes and families.”
To applause, Ms Davidson added: “And for those who have already chosen to build a life, open a business, make a contribution, I say this is your home and you are welcome here.
“The Conservative Party I know is optimistic in spirit and internationalist in outlook. We are an outward looking people and so we must remain.”
She went on: “We are about to enter a period of great upheaval and there will be obstacles to overcome, orthodoxies to challenge and, yes, some old-thinking to be set aside.
“But the prize will justify the journey.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “Ruth Davidson’s speech shows that she was clearly embarrassed by the comments from her colleagues, but was still prepared to be the warm-up act for Theresa May.
“She is the face of a Conservative Party that is rotten to its core – a xenophobic and toxic party.”
