Sturgeon told to focus on the economy, not independence

BUSINESS leaders have warned Nicola Sturgeon against damaging the economy by relaunching her independence bid.

The First Minister invited several influential groups for talks in Bute House yesterday, to discuss the consequences of Brexit. While they back her efforts to keep Scotland in the EU single market, they warned UK trade must not be jeopardised.

Business leaders leaving Bute House yesterday said talk of another separation vote was premature and Miss Sturgeon should focus on the economy.

Stuart Mackinnon of the Federation of Small Businesses said: ‘The last time we asked our members about the prospect of a second independence referendum, it was not a top priority.

‘Our members were much more keen to see the Scottish Government focus on domestic matters. In our view, access to the European single market is very important but so is access to the rest of the UK. We would not want to see a situation where efforts to access the single market undermines access to markets in the rest of the UK.’

Ross Martin, chief executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, said: ‘The Scottish Government wants to talk about another indetish pendence referendum. We want to talk about the economy. The constitutional stuff is secondary.’

Alison McGregor, chairman of CBI Scotland, said: ‘The Scottish Government should be closely involved in the UK Government negotiations with the EU to help get the best deal for Scot- companies – and business stands ready to play its part.’

The First Minister said: ‘I agree that we need to get that clear, unequivocal message out about the long-term importance to Scotland of the EU, the single market and free movement.’

Meanwhile, Miss Sturgeon has accused the UK Government of treating Europeans in the UK as bargaining chips ahead of Brexit negotiations.

She said it was ‘disgraceful’ people from EU countries who live and work in the UK have not been given assurances about their long-term future.

Her comments about the UK Government’s ‘inhumane’ failure to offer guarantees to EU citizens will be seen as a direct attack on Theresa May, the Home Secretary and frontrunner to be the next Prime Minister.

Mrs May refused to rule out deporting EU nationals in an interview at the weekend, insisting it was premature ahead of Brexit talks.

‘The constitutional stuff is secondary’

THE SNP refuses to see that uncertainty is the enemy of business, damaging the wider economy.

Nicola Sturgeon made great play of sitting down with key business leaders yesterday, telling them all about her grand plans to keep Scotland in europe – grounded more in hope than reality – as a prelude to another dangerous independence referendum.

the First Minister would do well to heed the words of Stuart Mackinnon, of the Federation of Small Businesses: ‘in our view, access to the european single market is very important, but so is access to the rest of the UK. We would not want to see a situation where efforts to access the single market undermine access to markets in the rest of the UK.’

the priority ought to be protecting and growing the economy, not risking jobs with another foolish bid to break up Britain.