Scottish Referendums

STUC Leader Attacks Scottish Business Leaders

Christie: Business must trust the people

The Scottish TUC's General Secretary, Campbell Christie, has attacked business figures who have been campaigning against a Scottish parliament. Mr. Christie said that many of them do not trust the Scottish people to make a sensible decision on their own future.

The statement comes at a time when the Scottish business community seems to be in disarray over the issue of devolution and the tax-varying powers it may bring. Yesterday saw both Ian McMillan, Head of the Confederation of British Industry in Scotland and Sir Alistair Grant, Chairman of Scottish & Newcastle Brewery, speak out against the devolution proposals.

Mr. McMillan claimed to have the full support of members of the CBI council but some of these, including Scottish Power Chief Executive, Ian Robinson and Fred Goodwin of the Clydesdale Bank, have now moved to distance themselves from these claims. A statement from the Clydesdale read, "It is up to the people of Scotland to decide the outcome of the devolution referendum and, whatever the result, Clydesdale Bank will remain committed to the people of Scotland."

Scottish business leaders, wary of the criticism which greeted Sir Bruce Pattullo's remarks last week, now appear to be moving away from confrontational debate and the publicity which surrounds it, in order to maintain a neutral stance.