'No' vote plea to business leaders

Feb 5 2013

Business leaders should vote No to independence to maintain the barrier-free trade that Scotland enjoys with the rest of the UK, according to the head of the Better Together campaign.

Alistair Darling launched Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce's referendum consultation at a dinner in the capital on Sunday night, which was expected to attract over 90 business leaders.

The consultation will offer businesses the opportunity to engage with the referendum process and understand the potential impact on them.

Mr Darling said: "The next two years give us an opportunity to fully examine the issues relating to Scotland's future.

"I believe that we can have the best of both worlds. We can have a strong Scottish Parliament with full control over areas such as health and education, and we can take strength from being a part of the oldest and most successful single market in the world.

"Scottish firms sell more to the rest of the UK than they do to all of the other countries of the world combined. There are no barriers to trade. We sell our goods just as easily in Essex as we do in Edinburgh. This is just one of the many reasons that mean that we are better together with the rest of the UK."

The Chamber is hosting a series of events with key policymakers from both sides of the independence debate, allowing Edinburgh businesses equal opportunities to connect directly with them. There will also be other opportunities for engagement through social media.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce chief executive David Birrell said: "Edinburgh Chamber will be taking every opportunity to ensure the views of the business in Edinburgh are debated with all political parties and key stakeholders on the referendum process. This will include a series of dedicated referendum events as well as some online engagement."

Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Gavin Brown said: "The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has an excellent reputation and deserves praise for carrying out this work.

"It's important the Scottish Government listens to the outcome of this consultation and addresses the concerns businesses have, rather than simply rubbishing them."