FINANCE MINISTER TO VISIT UIST BASES

FINANCE MINISTER TO VISIT UIST BASES


TASKFORCE TO COMBAT MOD JOB LOSS THREAT
SNP MSP and Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney will join SNP MSP Alasdair Allan in Uist tomorrow as the taskforce set up to combat the threat of large scale job losses from the MoD at the islands bases meets on the island.

Dr Allan and Mr Swinney will visit the communities and sites directly affected by the MoD announcement. The visit follows a meeting of the taskforce in Edinburgh last week.

Speaking ahead of the visit Dr Allan commented:
“I am pleased to see that John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, is so willing to engage with the community over this important issue and that he will personally visit the communities and sites affected as soon as possible after the MOD announcement.

"The Scottish Government understands the serious impact these cuts will have on communities in Uist and is committed to supporting those working at the bases and living on the islands at this difficult time.

“There is a compelling case against these job cuts and the massive effect they will have on the Uist community however there is much work to be done to combat this threat from the Ministry of Defence.

"I hope that Thursday will see a further very productive meeting of the Taskforce."