Scottish independence:STV quits CBI over No stance

BROADCASTER STV has quit the CBI business group following its decision to formally back the pro-Union No campaign ahead of this year’s independence referendum.

STV News presenter John Mackay. Picture: STV

The media firm, which produces STV News, said the move had conflicted with their duty of impartiality.

It follows the decision by care home giant Balhousie Care Group and wave energy firm Aquamarine Power to quit the CBI.

A spokeswoman for STV said: “STV is a public service broadcaster with a duty of impartiality and as such we have no corporate or editorial position on the independence referendum in September.

“In light of CBI Scotland’s decision to register with the Electoral Commission we have no choice but to resign our membership of CBI Scotland forthwith.”

Balhousie chairman Tony Banks, who also chairs the pro-independence Business for Scotland organisation, said on Thursday that the CBI “was not representing its member’s views honestly”.

Aquamarine chief executive Martin McAdam added: “The CBI has registered with the Electoral Commission as a No campaign backer without consultation with its members.”

Electrical contractors union Select, which represents 1250 companies with 18,500 employees, has not quit but demanded the CBI review the decision.