UK Chamber Stance Neutral on Scottish Independence

The UK Chamber of Shipping is taking a neutral position in the Scottish independence debate and has given both the Yes and Better Together sides space on its website to argue their respective positions in articles focusing on the future of Scotland's shipping industry, reports trade association Maritime London in its latest 'London Matters' newsletter.

By contrast, at the 12th annual Lloyd’s City Dinner, Lloyd's of London chairman John Nelson put forward the case for the UK to remain together as part of the EU. He said: “I would be extremely sad to see Scotland leave the United Kingdom and I very much hope that the Scottish people vote to stay in the Union. It is in the interests of the entire Scottish population, and the wider British population, all 65 million of us, who inhabit these extraordinary islands that the Union stays together.”

Meanwhile UK Chamber CEO, Guy Platten, said: "The UK Chamber has been helping to lead the debate in Scotland for some time, hosting events, seminars and meetings with our members and Scottish Government Ministers and officials.  Throughout the year, we've been lobbying both sides to secure a strong and prosperous shipping industry in Scotland, but now it's time for them to speak in their own words.”

He continued: "The prosperity of the UK, the City of London and Lloyd’s would best be served by Scotland staying in the UK and a strong United Kingdom staying in a competitive and efficient EU.”

Explaining the Chamber's position Mr Platten said: "The articles provide food for thought as we enter the final stages of the campaign. The UK Chamber will not adopt any formal position, the future of Scotland is for its people to decide. But both sides now recognise and understand the importance of shipping to the Scottish economy, and whatever the result, the UK Chamber will continue to campaign and fight for its members."

Source: Maritime London – London Matters