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.