Ruth Davidson has told EU citizens they're welcome in the UK in the wake of controversial policy ideas regarding foreign workers that were announced by her Conservative colleagues at the party's annual conference.
During her keynote speech to the conference on Wednesday, immediately before the prime minister, the Scottish Tory leader urged her party to remain "outward looking and internationalist," as it begins the process of negotiating the UK's exit from the EU.
On Tuesday, Amber Rudd, the home secretary, provoked anger by suggesting British firms should provide the government with lists of foreign workers to “ensure people coming here are filling gaps in the labour market, not taking jobs British people could do".
Later that day, international trade secretary Liam Fox described the uncertain status of EU nationals as one of the UK government's "main cards" in the upcoming Brexit negotiations with the EU.
During her speech, Davidson said there was "nothing more Conservative" than "striking out to build a better future for your family", and told foreign workers that the UK is their home.
A Conservative source told BuzzFeed News Davidson's comments were intended to "balance out" some of the stronger rhetoric from cabinet ministers ahead of the Brexit negotiations, while a Scottish Conservative source added: "MSPs were delighted at the tone [Davidson] took in contrast to the headlines today and thought it was much needed."
"As we have difficult – but necessary – debates on 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," said Davidson.
"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."
Speaking after Davidson's speech, some of her MSPs told BuzzFeed News their leader had made it clear that the Conservatives value foreign workers' contributions to the UK despite some of their colleagues' comments during the conference in Birmingham.
"There's a huge amount of discussion to be had to achieve immigration control and work to be done to satisfy the result of the EU referendum," said Rachael Hamilton MSP.
"Amber Rudd wants British companies to employ British workers and Ruth has simply said that those who have already chosen to build a life, open a business, or made a contribution understand they're welcome."
Miles Briggs MSP said: "I think it's vitally important that everyone considers the language they use around this issue of immigration. I also think it helps no one to see the SNP trying to score cheap political points on a difficult and complex issue."
Scottish Conservative MEP Ian Duncan told BuzzFeed News that Davidson had reminded the party conference that immigration was about "more than hard statistics".
"It's about real people who live in our communities, contribute to our society and help power our economy," said Duncan.