SNP ‘ignoring warnings’ on UK break-up
Business leaders round on Salmond
ALEX Sal mond is so ‘ blinded’ by his dream of independence that he has ignored questions and warnings from nearly 70 organisations and experts, opponents claimed last night.
Better Together strategists have produced a list of highprofile individuals and bodies who have intervened in the referendum debate, often to challenge SNP assertions.
The list includes major employers such as Standard Life and Asda, business groups such as Scottish Financial Enterprise and The Scotch Whisky Association, and trades unions such as USDAW.
Experts include the former head of the British Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, former Chief Medical Officer Sir David Carter and former World Bank senior economist Martin Wolf.
Barack Obama, who said America’s top ally should remain ‘strong, robust, united and effective’, Span- ish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who warned that Scotland would have to join the EU from the outside if there is a ‘Yes’ vote, and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, who made similar remarks, are also included.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said: ‘It must be tough for Alex Salmond to be so misunderstood – when everyone else is wrong and only he is right.
‘But these are businesses with real concerns and they deserve more than a First Minister whose tactic is to stick his fingers in his ears.’
Firms have raised questions or i ntervened i n the referendum debate in recent months:
Asda warned that Scottish independence could destroy the economies of scale that exists across the UK, which could lead to higher prices at the checkout.
BAE Systems said Scotland remaining i n the Union offers ‘greater stability for our business’.
Pensions giant Standard Life has drawn up plans to relocate to England if there is a Yes vote.
Business organisations and unions have challenged Mr Salmond to provide more answers:
The CBI, which represents 24,000 Scottish firms, urged the SNP leader to be ‘open and realistic’ about the risks and costs of leaving the UK.
Scottish Financial Enterprise, whose members include RBS, said: ‘A currency union is not an option for an independent Scotland.’
Bosses at shopworkers’ union USDAW said members were not prepared to ‘gamble’ on their jobs.
And expert bodies have outlined key facts for voters:
The Institute for Fiscal Studies said Scots face higher taxes or deeper spending cuts.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland said an i ndependent Scotland faces a devastating fall in tax revenues as oil and gas reserves dry up.
The Centre for Public Policy for Regions said oil taxes would leave Scots £1,000 a year worse off if Scotland quits the UK.
Blair Jenkins, chief executive of Yes Scotland, said: ‘We can say No and accept Westminster austerity or we can choose a better path.
‘Being a wealthy country, with healthier finances than the UK, means an independent Scotland can make different choices about spending and investment.’