Independence: Greens’ Harvie criticises McColl

BUSINESSMAN Jim McColl’s warning of the consequences of a No vote in next year’s referendum drew backing from pro-independence figures yesterday, but criticism from others over his call for more tax cuts.

File photo of Jim McColl, MD of Clyde Blowers. Picture: TSPL

Mr McColl told The Scotsman rejection of independence would lead to a “very sad” future for Scotland, and said MSPs needed taxation powers to persuade firms to stay in the country. With those powers, he said, they could cut corporation tax, abolish capital gains tax and overturn Gordon Brown’s “raid” on pensions.

But Yes Scotland board member Patrick Harvie, of the Green Party, tweeted: “I’m not surprised that Jim McColl, a very wealthy businessman, wants businesses to pay less tax. I’m more surprised that SNP indulge him.”