SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY WESTMINSTER LEADER MEETS DIAGEO BOSS.

SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY WESTMINSTER LEADER MEETS DIAGEO BOSS.

Westminster SNP Leader Angus Robertson MP today (Wednesday) met with Diageo Chief Executive Paul Walsh to discuss job cutting plans by the drinks company.

Mr Robertson, whose Moray constituency is home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries and is Vice Chairman of the All Party Whisky Industry Group, said:

“Given the controversy about Diageo’s plans, it is good that there is a commitment to explore all alternatives and work with Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and other partners, including local politicians from across the parties.

“We will do everything we can to produce a viable alternative plan and persuade Diageo to reverse their decision to close the plants in Kilmarnock and Glasgow.

“It is clear that the drinks business is highly competitive but the reputation of the industry at home and abroad is also crucial to its future success.

“That is why Diageo needs to work hard with all of its staff, stakeholders and communities that produce their multi-billion pound profits.

“Paul Walsh gave a commitment to work with partners in Scotland which I welcome. It is in everybody’s interests to ensure the whisky sector is properly engaged and committed to the communities that make, bottle and package their brands.”