Benefit fraudsters would face tougher penalties, including confiscation of driving licences, under proposals by the Scottish Conservatives.

Leader Russell Findlay launched his party’s Benefit Fraud Bill which he says would see maximum sentences doubled to 10 years, and an “end to the irresponsible tick-box approach for claims.”

The bill will be introduced by Murdo Fraser MSP and would bring Scotland into line with the UK Labour Government which has introduced measures south of the border allowing the Department for Work and Pensions to disqualify those in benefit debt from driving.

Speaking at a fringe event at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham, Mr Findlay said: “My party values the safety net of social security, despite the tiresome anti-Tory tropes peddled by our rivals.

“But Scotland’s benefits system under the SNP is broken. Around one pound of every seven spent by them goes on benefits.

“By 2031, Scotland’s benefits bill will be more than £9 billion. That’s more than we spend on schools, universities, colleges, police, courts and prisons combined.

“Social security should be there for times of need, it shouldn’t be a lifestyle choice. The SNP’s own evidence shows parents turning down pay rises, promotions or overtime because they get more on benefits.”

Nuclear plan

Shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie will reaffirm the Tories’ commitment to nuclear energy and tell the conference that the party will legislate to overturn the SNP’s ideological ban.

He will say the UK needs a third large scale nuclear reactor and no part of the country, including Scotland, should be off-limits.

The SNP’s effective ban on new nuclear reactors means Scotland’s last nuclear facility is set to shut at Torness in East Lothian by 2030.

Mr Bowie will say: “The SNP’s effective ban on new nuclear energy in Scotland flies in the face of common-sense. No part of Great Britain should be missing out on plans for new nuclear renewal.

“That is why I am delighted to announce that the Conservatives will look to see how we can legislate to deliver new nuclear energy in Scotland.

“The SNP’s luddite approach is costing jobs in Scotland, harming our energy security and ending Scotland’s rich and powerful association with the nuclear industry.

“If John Swinney and SNP ministers want to have a fight over any plans that would deliver thousands of jobs and protect energy security, then I say bring it on.”

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