Business wants poll on Union, says Tory

Published on Sunday 24 June 2007 00:59

DEMANDS for a referendum on Scottish independence have received support from the country's business community, according to another Conservative figure who is backing the radical plan.

John McGlynn, founder and chairman of Airlink group, and a leading Tory fundraiser, said he too supported the idea of a referendum in order to clear the air over Scotland's constitutional future.

His comments come a week after the vice-chairman of the Scots Tories, Richard Cook, first backed the plan, insisting that Unionists should take the fight to the SNP over the matter.

Business figures are understood to have held meetings to discuss the referendum question in the last week, following Cook's announcement.

Cook claimed that investment decisions in Scotland were being jeopardised because of the uncertainty surrounding the issue.

McGlynn said he had no evidence that doubts over Scotland's future were turning businesses off, but said that there was growing backing for a referendum.

"There are business people who are totally against independence and there are those who are totally in favour of it, but the common theme that I come across is that they believe the people of Scotland should have a say in their destiny," he said.

He went on: "Whether or not you agree with independence, the bottom line is that the people of Scotland should have their say. My hope is that this becomes Conservative Party policy.

"The Tories could say: 'We believe in the Union and what we also believe in is the right of people in Scotland to have their say.'

"That would be a clear message that we trust the people of Scotland."

McGlynn is a well-known figure in Scots Tory circles, helping to arrange annual fundraising events. However, Scots Tory leader Annabel Goldie has said she is opposed to any referendum.

Yesterday, the SNP backed a plan to find 100,000 signatures for a public petition on a referendum.