SNP POLITICIANS UNITE TO FIGHT FOR DIAGEO JOBS

COFFEY WELCOMES FIRST MINISTER TO KILMARNOCK

SNP MSP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun Willie Coffey today (Wednesday) welcomed First Minister Alex Salmond to Kilmarnock as the First Minister put his name to the Save Johnnie Walker petition.

At Westminster, SNP MPs will raise the concerns of Scottish workers in an adjournment debate in the House of Commons tonight .

SNP MP Pete Wishart and other members of the Scottish Affairs Committee heard from Diageo officials earlier today.

Commenting, Mr Coffey, who along with trade union representatives and East Ayrshire Council, joined the First Minister in Kilmarnock town centre today, said:

“This visit is a sign of the Scottish Government’s absolute commitment to fight for these jobs and to support the people of Kilmarnock.

“The First Minister joins the thousands of people across Scotland who have signed this petition and shown their support.

“Diageo are custodians of Johnnie Walker and they are failing in their duty to preserve and cherish this valued product.

“Johnnie Walker may be on Diageo’s balance sheet but in Kilmarnock it’s in our blood.”

Glasgow SNP MP John Mason,whose constituency borders the Glasgow North East constituency containing the Port Dundas distillery and who will attend this evening’s debate in the Commons added:

“There is no doubt these are tough times for businesses and households across Scotland – now, more than ever, we must fight to save these vital jobs in both Kilmarnock and Glasgow.

“The battle to keep the Port Dundas distillery open must be fought as a united front with all parties, the trade unions, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council working together to save the 200 jobs which are under threat in the city.

"Tonight's debate is an opportunity for the Westminster Parliament to add it's voice to the efforts of those in Scotland to show Diageo the error of their ways."