SCDI welcomes the economic focus to the Queen’s Speech, while awaiting the details of specific Bills and other measures in order to assess what direct impact they may have on what we consider to be the three great economic challenges of our time – poor productivity, low levels of innovation and an anaemic performance on internationalisation.
Continues a spokesperson: “On infrastructure developments, we welcome the continuing commitment of the UK Government to the High Speed Rail project, but remain concerned that this must be seen as a project which runs fully up the backbone of Britain; in particular, connecting Scotland to London, and then onto the markets of the rest of the European Union, where 85 per cent of our trade is currently generated.
“As regards the Energy Bill, we welcome the creation of the Oil & Gas Authority to work with industry to increase productivity in the North Sea. While planning aspects for onshore wind only relate to England, the signal about ending support for onshore wind across the GB market is a concern for investment in both generation and the supply chain, and moving to a low carbon electricity system at the lowest cost.
“We note the UK Government’s plans for an Enterprise Bill which is aimed at ensuring that regulators design and deliver services and policies to best suit the needs of business. SCDI will be supporting discussions between regulators and Scottish industry on this front.”
The spokesperson added: “The EU Referendum Bill is, as expected, and SCDI will be actively engaging all of its wide and diverse membership, across the whole economy and geography of Scotland, in the ensuing debate, which is obviously crucial to the future strength and resilience of the UK economy.
“SCDI also welcomes the drive towards greater economic de-centralisation, including the Scotland Bill, and will work with both the UK and Scottish Governments, and our members, to develop regional policy solutions that will empower both national and regional economies.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
SCDI (Scottish Council for Development & Industry) is one of Scotland’s leading independent economic development organisations, working across the public, private and social sectors, representing 1,200 organisations including global companies, SMEs, public sector bodies and educational institutions, professional associations and trade unions, faith groups, charitable and third sector organisations.
For further information, please contact Gareth Williams, director of Policy, SCDI, T: 07917 103997 gareth.williams@scdi.org.uk
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