BCC Comments Ahead of Scotland Bill Debate

22nd January 2015

Commenting ahead of the introduction of the Scotland Bill which would see a range of new powers devolved from Westminster to Holyrood John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "As Westminster debates legislation to enshrine new powers for Scotland, business communities across the UK are paying close attention.

"Businesses want transfers of power away from Westminster to be clearly tied to delivering growth and prosperity for the nations and regions, through meaningful consultation and careful consideration of the impact on business. "Greater tax differences between the nations and regions of the UK may create challenges for business, a fact that has so far been absent from the UK political debate. Administrative boundaries must not become barriers to trade and competition, for the sake of political expediency. "Businesses in all parts of the UK want their voice heard before sweeping changes to the constitutional settlement are made.Commenting ahead of the introduction of the Scotland Bill which would see a range of new powers devolved from Westminster to Holyrood John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "As Westminster debates legislation to enshrine new powers for Scotland, business communities across the UK are paying close attention. "Businesses want transfers of power away from Westminster to be clearly tied to delivering growth and prosperity for the nations and regions, through meaningful consultation and careful consideration of the impact on business. "Greater tax differences between the nations and regions of the UK may create challenges for business, a fact that has so far been absent from the UK political debate. Administrative boundaries must not become barriers to trade and competition, for the sake of political expediency. "Businesses in all parts of the UK want their voice heard before sweeping changes to the constitutional settlement are made.

You might also be interested in

Few Signs For Optimism In Labour Market

Tue 20th January 2026

Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS published this morning, Patrick Milnes, Head of People and Work Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

BCC Responds to New US Tariffs Plans

Mon 19th January 2026

Responding to news that the US plans to introduce fresh 10% tariffs on UK goods, from next month, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:

Business Groups Sign Letter Supporting Government Commitment to NPR

Thu 15th January 2026

Seven of the UK’s major business groups have written an open letter to the government to support its commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).

Growth Returns in Pre-Budget Period

Thu 15th January 2026

Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the Office for National Statistics this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: