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Conservative comment on Diageo job losses

Commenting, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said:

"The export slump and Diageo cutbacks is a double blow for the Scottish economy. It will be particularly painful for Kilmarnock to see the loss of a blue chip employer and the end of its 190 year tradition of bottling Johnnie Walker. I am calling on the UK and Scottish Governments and Diageo to work together to do as much as possible to ensure that the workers can be settled in other jobs. However, today’s news underlines the need for new economic leadership in the UK, with a Government that understands the needs of businesses and gives them the confidence to retain and expand their presence in Scotland."

Commenting, Scottish Conservatives Deputy Leader Murdo Fraser MSP said:

"The Scotch industry operates in an intensely competitive global market. The vast majority of Diageo's whisky sales are overseas. That is why a difficult situation must not be made worse by the Scottish Government. As the Scotch Whisky Association has warned, Alex Salmond's plans to impose a minimum price on Scotch will increase prices at home and give a green light to other countries to impose tariffs on one of our premier products. The SNP must think again."