Local MP Alister Jack has launched a broadside against SNP politicians accusing them of steering the focus on the Covid-19 response towards their independence agenda.
He highlighted a tweet from South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper in which she claimed the UK Government was 'giving a green light to folk to leave their own home, no longer protect the NHS & 'Take Back Control' -very irresponsible and dangerous messaging.'
She went on to ask: 'Are @NithsdalePolice @DumfriesGPolice @GallowayPolice @DGNHS ready for the 2ndwave of COVID-19 coming? #bordercheck '
Mr Jack dismissed the inference that police checks could be required on the border to stop visitors travelling north and risking the spread of coronavirus.
The Dumfries and Galloway representative at Westminster stated Ms Harper's tweet was another fanciful example of nationalist campaigners hijacking serious public concerns like coronavirus to further their quest for constitutional change.
Mr Jack, who is also Scottish Secretary, continued: "Different parts of the UK are using devolved powers, as is their right, to vary their response to coronavirus.
"Scotland's 'R' number, the rate of transmission, is higher, and the Scottish Government have opted not to slightly loosen, as in England, the 'Stay at Home' message for those who cannot work from home.
"My own preference, where appropriate, is for an all-UK strategy to avoid any confusion, particularly in areas like ours close to the border. It is important we all work together to control this dreadful virus."
Mr Jack also firmly rejected reported suggestions from SNP MP Angus MacNeil that police might be needed at the border to prevent people entering Scotland should the lockdown be lifted more quickly in England.