The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Businesses left divided over independence
BUSINESS LEADERS have been divided by the independence debate, with 200 company chiefs declaring leaving the UK is in Scotland’s “best interests” at the same time as claims are made that many pro-UK supporters are too afraid to speak out.
High profile figures from the business community, including Stagecoach chairman Sir Brian Souter, pictured, Clyde Blowers boss Jim McColl and retired William Hill chief executive Ralph Topping, are among those who have put their name to an open letter urging Scots to voteYes.
The group also includes whisky boss Neill Clapperton of the Springbank Distillery and Michelin-starred chef Andrew Fairlie.
First Minister Alex Salmond described their letter as “hugely significant” in the run up to the September 18 ballot, adding it is “clear recognition of the massive opportunity that aYes vote represents for Scotland’s economy”.
It comes the day after a group of 130 company leaders — employing more than 50,000 people in Scotland between them — insisted that the case for leaving the UK “has not been made”.
Former Scotch Whisky Association Gavin Hewitt, who helped gather signatories for that letter, said about half the people he had approached were opposed to independence but did not want to sign the letter and make their views public for fear of a backlash from the SNP.
Labour shadow business minister Ian Murray said: “It is deeply troubling that people still feel they cannot air their view of what is best for Scotland for fear of the wrath of Alex Salmond.
“We are about to make the biggest decision of our lifetime.
“There will be no going back, and yet still people feel they cannot speak out against Alex Salmond’s unanswered questions.”
He added: “The fact is, leaving the UK would hurt Scottish jobs.
“Our businesses today can sell to a domestic market of 63 million rather than just five million. One in five Scottish jobs are with companies headquartered elsewhere in the UK. Scotland working together with the rest of the UK, as part of the UK, creates jobs.”
But Neil Clapperton, managing director of Springbank Distillers, said: “The Scottish whisky industry has nothing to lose and everything to gain from independence. He said: “Whisky is an iconic Scottish product which is hugely important to our economy. It accounts for a quarter of all UK food and drink exports, earning £135 every second.”
In the pro- Yes letter, published in The Herald, the Springbank boss and others make clear their belief that “independence is in the best interests of Scotland’s economy and its people”.
The letter also argues the biggest threat to Scottish business is the “real possibility of a British exit from the European common market” if an in/out referendum is held after the next general election — as proposed by the Tories.
Mr Salmond said: “Today’s backing from business leaders across Scotland is hugely significant and a clear recognition of the massive opportunity that a Yes vote represents for Scotland’s economy.”
Prime Minister David Cameron said that staying part of the UK “family of nations” would be good for business in Scotland.
On a visit to the Malcolm Group in Linwood, Renfrewshire, he said: “My message is a very positive one, which is the opportunity for business, the scale of the United Kingdom, the solidarity that the United Kingdom has as a family of nations is good for business and good for jobs, and that means it is good for people living and working in Scotland.”
SHADOW ENERGY Secretary Caroline Flint renewed Labour’s pledge to freeze energy prices if it wins the 2015 General Election on a visit to Dundee yesterday.
Ms Flint unveiled a poster claiming the SNP’s plans for independence could mean an extra £875 a year being added to energy bills.
She said: “Our energy policy across the UK allows us to both share the risks and the rewards. If there was separation, that would mean Scottish bill payers would pay more.
“Oil is available, but is diminishing as a resource.
“One of the opportunities that Scotland has benefited from being part of the UK is the subsidies towards renewable power.
“If you look at the 27 million households across the UK, all contribute to renewable energy.
“A third of the projects are here in Scotland, so if there was separation that would mean Scots would have to fully bear the cost of those renewables.”