Trump has no business in Scotland
Corbyn calls for president to dump golf courses and hotel after outcry over £110,000 tax rebate for £18m-a-year Turnberry resort
DONALD Trump should not have any business interests in Scotland, Jeremy Corbyn said yesterday.
The UK Labour leader said it was “odd” for the US president to have strong links with big earners like Turnberry golf course.
He spoke out after it emerged the Ayrshire course enjoyed a £110,000 tax rebate which was meant to help struggling hospitality businesses.
South Ayrshire Council said the business relief scheme is mandatory so it was applied even though the firm expect revenue of up to £18million this year.
Corbyn told the Record: “It’s a bit odd when the president of any country has business interests in another country.
“When you’re elected to a public office, you should not have any business interests of any sort.
“I’m very surprised he’s getting rebates. I’m very surprised he’s carrying on with any business interests.”
Corbyn was in Glasgow yesterday but he started his tour of marginal Scottish constituencies on Lewis, home of Trump’s late mother Mary MacLeod.
The isle link has proven to be an embarrassment as Trump becomes more controversial on global issues by the day.
As well as owning the Turnberry course, Trump’s name is emblazoned across the entrance to his Menie Estate golf resort on the Aberdeenshire coast.
He no longer directly manages the Trump Organisation but he has tried to stop a wind turbine development in sight of Menie Estate, provoking claims he’s interfering in Scottish energy policy for personal reasons.
Trump was immediately under pressure to deal with potential conflicts of interest around the world after assuming the office of president.
He placed business holdings such as Menie into a “revocable trust” intended to remove him from day-to-day decisions.
Holyrood did not respond directly to concerns over Trump’s business interests.
A spokesman said: “It is for businesses to apply for rates relief and for councils to ensure those which do are eligible.”