COFFEY CALLS FOR DIAGEO TO SHOW RESTRAINT

SNP MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey has called for Diageo to stick to their word and to wait for the alternative business proposal to be put forward by the Scottish government prior to making any decisions.

Mr Coffey’s remarks follow comments by Diageo Managing Director Brian Donaghey that more bottling could move overseas if Kilmarnock plant is saved.

Mr Coffey said;

“It is deeply disturbing that before any business proposal has been put to Diageo by the government and in a week when Diageo is expected to announce nearly £3 billion of profits they are suggesting further job losses if Kilmarnock is saved.

“Every business must work hard to remain competitive – but no business does that by forgetting its roots.

“Mr Donaghey’s comments seem extremely cynical and appear intended to divide the workforce.

“It's not the first time I have had to ask Diageo to stick to the assurances given to the First Minister by their Chief Officer Paul Walsh. And I ask Mr Donaghey to respect that.

“Across Scotland we are united in the campaign to save Diageo jobs and the support from workers at Cameron Bridge for their colleagues in Kilmarnock and Glasgow has been very welcome.

“I urge Mr Donaghey to ensure Diageo keep their word and no decisions or threats appear until there has been a full examination of the alternative proposal coming from Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government.”

DIAGEO BOSSES CONDEMNED FOR CLOSURE STANCE

Diageo bosses have been condemned for their insistence on closing the Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock and Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.

SNP MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey, reacting to a series of interviews by Diageo bosses where they remained committed to closing the Kilmarnock plant said;

“Diageo bosses have offered no comfort to workers at Johnnie Walker.

“Diageo say they are in listening mode but they are clearly not in hearing mode.

“It is an insult to all those working at the plant to talk about a museum instead of a working whisky plant.

“Around 10,000 people are now supporting our campaign – these people are not just Johnnie Walker workers they are Johnnie Walker drinkers and customers around the world.

"The way for Diageo to show loyalty to staff is to keep the Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas distillery working not cut the jobs of 900 workers who have continually supported the company.

“That they will listen to the Scottish Enterprise proposal is welcome but it increasingly sounds like Diageo’s minds are made up. We need a united front across not just political parties, but all Johnnie Walker drinkers to show Diageo the error of their ways.

"Johnnie Walker and Kilmarnock have been together since 1820. If the loyalty of the workforce and the town means anything to Diageo they will halt the closure and end these ridiculous plans to walk away from Kilmarnock.”

SNP MEETS DIAGEO BOSS

Westminster SNP Leader Angus Robertson MP today (Wednesday) met with Diageo Chief Executive Paul Walsh to discuss job cutting plans by the drinks company.

Mr Robertson, whose Moray constituency is home to more than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries and is Vice Chairman of the All Party Whisky Industry Group, said:

“Given the controversy about Diageo’s plans, it is good that there is a commitment to explore all alternatives and work with Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and other partners, including local politicians from across the parties.

“We will do everything we can to produce a viable alternative plan and persuade Diageo to reverse their decision to close the plants in Kilmarnock and Glasgow.

“It is clear that the drinks business is highly competitive but the reputation of the industry at home and abroad is also crucial to its future success.

“That is why Diageo needs to work hard with all of its staff, stakeholders and communities that produce their multi-billion pound profits.

“Paul Walsh gave a commitment to work with partners in Scotland which I welcome. It is in everybody’s interests to ensure the whisky sector is properly engaged and committed to the communities that make, bottle and package their brands.”