Scotland has been a “catalyst of the United Kingdom’s fortunes” throughout history and “can be that catalyst for the UK’s growth again” according to Confederation of British Industry (CBI) chair Rupert Soames.
Speaking to an audience of political and business leaders in Glasgow, Soames called on the Scottish and UK governments to “walk on the same road to growth” and not let the “hurly-burly of an election destroy the close collaboration needed to attract investment.”
Soames said: “Throughout history Scotland has been a catalyst of the United Kingdom’s fortunes, whether it was the Scottish Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, or the prosperity brought by the North Sea.
“And now with BAE Systems’ £10bn deal to build frigates – evidence, if any was needed, that world-class shipbuilding is not a tale of the past, but a promise of the future.
“Looking ahead, Scotland can be that catalyst for the UK’s growth again. Natural energy resources to make our competitors green with envy.
“World-class universities pushing the boundaries of knowledge and research. The best-educated workforce in the UK.
“But these advantages need good government to turn them into increasing growth and prosperity. To go down that road will take trust and collaboration between politicians and institutions; between Holyrood and Westminster; and between governments and business.
“These are serious times. And as we look ahead to the Scottish Parliament elections next year, the message from business is clear: please do not let the hurly-burly of an election destroy the close collaboration between the two governments that is needed to deliver investment.
“Politics is the art of the possible. But it is the task of great politicians, grown-up politicians, politicians of consequence, to make the necessary, possible. But it will need a fierce sense of urgency, an unwavering focus on getting infrastructure built and investment deployed.
“Governments north and south of the border can disagree on many things, but they must make, and keep, common cause when it comes to building out the critical national infrastructure which will drive growth and increase prosperity for Scotland and for the United Kingdom.”