MSPtellsMP: Mydooris alwaysopen tonewideas

The Scottish Government’s decision to set up an action group after the 2 Sisters closure announcement comes just a fortnight after Rutherglen’s MP and MSP locked horns over the issue.

Labour MP Ged Killen asked Holyrood counterpart and SNP MSP Clare Haughey to join his fight for a task force in a bid to save the plant.

But Ms Haughey talked down those suggestions, saying she could not see the plan’s worth.

In the Reformer two weeks ago, she said: “Mr Killen did not outline any steps he feels the Scottish Government hasn’t yet taken, nor did he suggest any different avenues to explore.

“When I spoke with the management and unions on March 30, neither of them could explain any particular benefits of establishing a so-called ‘task force,’ and both were happy with the assistance the Scottish Government is providing.

“The Scottish Government, and its agencies like Scottish Enterprise and PACE, have been working constructively with the company and unions, and they will continue to do so.

“Specifically, they are looking at food processing, marketing and capital grants to help with the company’s capital issues, as well as at training, research and development support, and support from the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service and Skills Development Scotland.

“I hope Mr Killen has not sought to play political games over this as people’s jobs are at stake. If he has any sensible proposals as to how we can work together, my door is always open.”