Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has said that he fears that the SNP’s coalition with the Greens could undermine business confidence just as a survey of local businesses, conducted during June, but published today, indicated rising optimism in the business community.
The Scottish Conservative MSP said: “The HIE survey, which was conducted before the announcement that the Greens would be entering government, shows that businesses across the Highlands and Islands are beginning to feel more optimistic about the future. However, that confidence could prove very short-lived if the Greens, who oppose economic growth on ideological grounds, gain influence over the Scottish Government."
“Businesses here need to know that our neglected road infrastructure will be upgraded, and yet we know the Greens are hostile to investment in roads. The Scottish Conservatives believe key targets should be set for Scotland to lead the United Kingdom in job creation rates and economic growth but that is dependent on the Scottish Government being pro-business and supportive of economic growth."
“It’s very worrying that the SNP have chosen to give ministerial posts to a political party that has very different objectives."
“I have real concerns over what this indy-obsessed coalition of chaos could mean for local jobs and livelihoods”.
More on this story here: https://www.hie.co.uk/latest-news/2021/september/06/business-survey-shows-signs-of-economic-recovery-and-renewed-optimism/