Scottish Independence Debate / Referendum Q&A with ex Labour minister
FORMER Labour trade minister Brian Wilson will share a platform with local MSP Tavish Scott tomorrow night to take questions on the Scottish independence referendum.
The Better Together campaigner will also meet local businesses before staging a Q&A session with members of the public.
Wilson, a former Labour MP, has been a UK business ambassador for several years, working with overseas organisations, embassies and governments on trade issues, and will take part in Tuesday night’s “ferry to the referendum” meeting with Scott in Lerwick Town Hall from 7.30-9pm.
Wilson is the latest in a string of politicians who have visited the islands during the referendum campaign.
Last week Scotland’s deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon was in Lerwick to make the case for a Yes vote, on the same day BBC Radio Shetland held a hustings.
Earlier this summer Prime Minister David Cameron became the first serving UK leader to visit Shetland since Margaret Thatcher.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Scott said: “With just over a fortnight to go until the referendum, huge questions still remain unanswered over the uncertainties of independence and what it might mean for businesses in Shetland.
“Quite rightly, people deserve to know the facts before voting on what is such a hugely important decision.
“The vast majority of Scotland’s trade is done with the rest of the United Kingdom, so businesses in Shetland need to know how separation from this market will impact on their trade.
“They need information on what interest rates would be, clarity on EU membership, and a clear-cut, definitive answer on what currency an independent Scotland would use.
“Throughout his career, Brian has gained a wealth of experience in this area. He has a great knowledge of the Scottish economy having worked as a business ambassador for Scotland, and can provide a valuable insight into the realities of what independence would mean for Scotland’s economy.
“I think it is fantastic that Brian has come up to Shetland to share his views and would urge people who still have concerns about how independence would affect them to take the opportunity to come and voice their questions at tomorrow night’s meeting.”
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