GRAY DIAGEO HYPOCRISY EXPOSED

LABOUR LEADER FAILS TO PUT JOBS BEFORE PARTY POLITICS

Labour leader Iain Gray’s hypocrisy in his attempts to attack the Scottish Government over Diageo has been exposed as an interview with the Scotsman – prior to the Diageo announcement this week – reveals he would have taken part in the march for jobs – despite attacking the First Minister for it.

In the interview he also welcomed the efforts of John Swinney and the First Minister to produce an alternative plan to Diageo’s Kilmarnock closure.

Reported in the Scotsman today Mr Gray said:

"I would have gone on the protest march as first minister.

"Labour's take on this has been to work with the trade unions. That's why I probably would have gone on the protest march because the trade unions were a big part of organising that."

He added: "John Swinney and the First Minister have got involved in the campaign and they have made sure that Scottish Enterprise has worked to try and produce the alternative plan."

SNP MSP for North Ayrshire Kenneth Gibson, who took part in the campaign against Diageo’s closure plans said:

“These comments expose the utter hypocrisy of Iain Gray’s actions in Parliament. Fighting for jobs in Scotland should always come before party politicking, and that is the test Iain Gray keeps on failing.

“Labour must, like the Scottish Government, focus on working with the taskforce, the trade unions and the company to ensure the best deal for those workers and for Kilmarnock who are now facing up to a future without Johnnie Walker.”

“Instead Iain Gray decided to attack Mr Salmond for attending a rally which he himself said he would have gone to had he been First Minister.

"Iain Gray has no idea what direction he or his party are facing. He is fumbling his way through leadership and letting his party down. It's not just that he doesn't seem to know what he or his party believe from one day to the next, he cannot remember what he has said from one day to the next.

“After his poorly judged response to the Megrahi case, Iain Gray has once again displayed why he is not Scotland’s First Minister.”

SNP MSPs COMMENT ON DIAGEO ANNOUNCEMENT

DIAGEO DECISION WILL DEVASTATE KILMARNOCK

DISAPPOINTMENT OVER PORT DUNDAS DECISION

SNP MSPs Willie Coffey (Kilmarnock & Loudoun) and Bob Doris (Glasgow) have commented on the announcement made by Diageo today that they will press ahead with cutting up to 900 jobs at its Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock and Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.

Kilmarnock SNP MSP Willie Coffey said Diageo’s decision to go ahead with the closure of Johnnie Walker plant, with the loss of 700 jobs in the town, will devastate Kilmarnock.

Mr Coffey condemned the decision which ends a 200 year link between Johnnie Walker and Kilmarnock, the town where it was founded.

He welcomed reassurances from John Swinney that the taskforce will be reconvened to discuss a response to the closure and the economic future for Kilmarnock.

Mr Coffey said:

“This is a devastating blow for an intensely loyal workforce in Kilmarnock.

"Kilmarnock is an integral part of Johnnie Walker Whisky, without its Kilmarnock roots there is no Johnnie Walker.

"When Diageo are making billions of pounds of profits it simply beggars belief that they would shut down plants and sacrifice workers.

“Diageo are ignoring the pleas of tens of thousands of people and customers who do not want Johnnie Walker to walk away from Kilmarnock.

“To reject completely out of hand the proposals developed by Scottish Enterprise, East Ayrshire and all parties casts doubt on Diageo’s willingness to listen in the first place.

“It has been clear throughout the last few months that they had no real intention of listening to any alternative plan.

“Diageo have behaved shamefully throughout this process.

“If they are now to walk away from Killie, Diageo owe it to the town and the workers to contribute to the regeneration of the area and the creation of new jobs.

“I welcome John Swinney’s commitment to Kilmarnock, the Scottish Government has stood by the workers throughout and that commitment has not gone unnoticed.

“No one wants to face a future in Kilmarnock without Johnnie Walker – but we must now work together ensure that future is as bright as possible.”

Glasgow MSP Bob Doris also expressed his disappointment at Diageo’s decision to close the Port Dundas distillery.

The closure could mean the loss of 200 jobs in the city and comes despite a cross party campaign to preserve the jobs and intense efforts by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise to present an alternative plan for Diageo.

Mr Doris said:

“With profits of £2.5 billion last year it will be difficult for workers to understand why Diageo are closing plants and losing jobs.

“Workers at Port Dundas have shown real commitment to Diageo and there will be deep disappointment that Diageo have reached this devastating decision.

“The efforts of the campaign, the trade unions and the Diageo taskforce to put forward an alternative proposal which had cross party support have shown the Government’s clear commitment to Glasgow’s jobs.

“We must now move quickly to plan for those redundancies and to ensure alternative employment and support is put in place straight away.”

JOHNNIE WALKER BATTLE MOVES TO HOLYROOD

Today (Wednesday), the battle to stop Diageo closing the Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock moves to the Scottish Parliament where Kilmarnock & Loudoun MSP Willie Coffey will lead a debate on the company’s plans to lay off hundreds of workers.

The debate was initiated by Mr Coffey after he tabled a motion supporting the cross party campaign established to oppose the closure of the Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock.

The motion has attracted support from all political parties and is to be debated by the parliament on its first day back after the summer recess.

Earlier today, there will be a Scottish Government statement to the parliament on the work being done to persuade Diageo to change their plans.

The debate will also be backed up by action throughout the day by the trade unions representing Diageo workers, many of whom will be in parliament to hear the debate.

Commenting before the debate Mr Coffey said:

“Since Diageo made their announcement on 1 July, there has been a huge amount of work done on a cross party basis to halt this damaging proposal.

“That the parliament is to debate this on the first day after recess shows how seriously all parties view this threat, not only to Johnnie Walker and Kilmarnock, but also to the Scotch whisky industry.

“Ending Johnnie Walker’s link with Kilmarnock and tearing 800 jobs out of the local economy is a strategic mistake by Diageo and is also socially unacceptable.

“Johnnie Walker is the world’s most successful whisky and has been built up over many years. The workers are rightly asking why their jobs are being destroyed by Diageo in pursuit of short-term gain.

“It is absolutely right that we ask why a company that is making billions in profit each year is walking away from such an important part of the industry's heritage."

Diageo profits strengthen case against job cuts - Carmichael

Commenting on Diageo’s announcement of a £2bn profit, Liberal Democrat Shadow Scotland Secretary, Alistair Carmichael said:

“This news will be hard to take for the workers whose jobs are hanging in the balance."

“It is difficult to see why a business making profits in the billions considers itself so hard-pressed that it has to lay off workers who have shown years of loyalty.

“This news only strengthens the case for Diageo to think again before it axes jobs at its historic Kilmarnock site. It is the dedication of Diageo’s employees that have allowed it to become so profitable - sacking them now would be an unforgivable way to reward them.”

TWO BILLION REASONS NOT TO WALK OUT ON KILLIE

Kilmarnock & Loudoun MSP Willie Coffey today said there were two billion reasons for Diageo not to walk out on Kilmarnock after the company announced annual profits this morning.

Mr Coffey, whose constituency includes the closure threatened Johnnie Walker plant said;
“Diageo’s profit announcement today of over Two Thousand Million pounds is now a defining moment in the campaign to keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock.

“When the company is announcing such massive profits, it really doesn’t wash that they have any justification for closing the Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock, destroying Walkers' historic links with the town.

“ Today's announcement should be great news for the company, its shareholders and its staff. But instead, it’s another PR disaster for the company due to its plans to withdraw from Kilmarnock and put 700 workers on the dole. An incredible situation.

“This announcement means that there is no credible argument left to justify their proposals.
“I want the company to go from strength to strength but the workers in Kilmarnock and Hurlford and in Glasgow deserve to share in that successful future. They have contributed to it for years.

“Johnnie Walker is a global icon and maintaining the brand and it’s link to Kilmarnock gives it a heritage that Diageo could use to build sales, not slash jobs.

“Let’s make no mistake, Diageo is a very profitable and successful company and all of its plants in Scotland should be looking forward to a secure future. Profits like those announced today should make that more rather than less certain.

“Along with colleagues in the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and East Ayrshire Council, I will continue to press the case for the retention of Kilmarnock as the spiritual home of Johnnie Walker.

“I am hopeful that we can still persuade the company to work with us to secure that successful future.

DIAGEO PLAN "GOOD FOR KILMARNOCK AND GOOD FOR GLASGOW"

SUPPORT FOR PORT DUNDAS WELCOMED - KILMARNOCK MSP PRAISES CO-OPERATIVE EFFORTS

SNP MSPS Bob Doris and Willie Coffey have given further reaction to the Diageo taskforce's proposal to save jobs across Scotland.

The inclusion of Port Dundas distillery in the alternative business proposal has been welcomed by Glasgow MSP Bob Doris who chaired a meeting of trade unions, Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow council to ensure a future for Port Dundas was included in the proposals.

SNP MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey has today praised the efforts of all involved in producing the plan.The proposals will now be put to Diageo.

Mr Doris said;

"I am pleased that the proposal agreed by Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Government and both local authorities includes plans to retain production at Port Dundas.

"The Finance Secretary has been clear from the start that this was about securing as many Diageo jobs in Scotland as possible and the support he has shown for Port Dundas is a real boost to this campaign."

Willie Coffey, the Kilmarnock MSP added;

"The next few weeks will be crucial in this fight and it is essential that across the country and across parties we retain the united front that has demonstrated so clearly to Diageo that the public are opposed to this plan.

"In particular the support of the work force across Diageo has been tremendous.

"Along side the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, East Ayrshire Council have worked hard and all have played a blinder in producing a plan that can keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock - if Diageo will accept this proposal.

"This plan is good for Kilmarnock and Glasgow, good for Diageo and will be good for the whole of Scotland."

DIAGEO PROPOSAL WELCOMED BY KILMARNOCK MSP

PLAN KEEPS JOHNNIE WALKER IN KILMARNOCK

Commenting after the Diageo taskforce led by John Swinney agreed a proposal to put to Diageo to retain production at Port Dundas in Glasgow and to develop a new bottling plant in Kilmarnock SNP MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey who was at tonight's taskforce meeting said;

"We have agreed a proposal to put to Diageo and it is now for them to be true to their word and to negotiate with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.

"We understand Diageo's need to build their business but you do not do that by abandoning your roots.

"Workers at Johnnie Walker have stood by the plant in good times and in bad. This proposal gives Diageo the opportunity to return that loyalty and stand by workers in both Kilmarnock and Port Dundas."

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.”

DORIS WELCOMES DIAGEO MEETING

Commenting on today's meeting in Glasgow between politicians and trade unions as part of the campaign to retain Diageo jobs in Glasgow and Kilmarnock SNP MSP Bob Doris said;

"This was a useful meeting that ensured all those taking part in the campaign remain united in our opposition to Diageo's plans.

"There was firm support for the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise's efforts to produce an alternative business plan.

"That plan is underway and it was good to hear that progress is being made. Everyone was determined to maintain a positive attitude and to work together to put the best proposal possible to Diageo.

"This campaign will only succeed if all parties, trade unions, the Government and Enterprise agencies continue to work together."

DIAGEO U-TURN ON £10 CHARGE FOR WORKERS' CONTRACTS

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MSP, Willie Coffey has welcomed Diageo's u-turn on a £10 charge for Johnnie Walker workers facing redundancy obtaining a copy of their contract of employment. Diageo has announced that up to 800 workers in Kilmarnock and Loudoun will face redundancy or relocation when the company close the Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock and a plant at nearby Hurlford.

Members of the workforce asking for a copy of their contract of employment have been told that they could face a wait of 40 days, and will be charged a £10 'administration fee'. Local MSP, Willie Coffey, wrote to Bryan Donaghey, Managing Director of Diageo Scotland asking him to reconsider this charge. Mr Donaghey has now agreed to waive the £10 charge, but confirmed that it could still take up to 40 days to get a copy of the contract.

Commenting Mr Coffey said:

"I could hardly believe the insensitivity of a firm like Diageo, which makes £ billions in profit each year, slapping a £10 charge on workers facing the loss of their job."

"Diageo say that the changes they are introducing, which will result in the loss of hundreds of jobs, will save them £20 million every year.

"Given the sums involved, is it too much to ask Diageo to properly plan and resource a consultation exercise with their workforce instead of doing it on the cheap.

"The impression is certainly growing among the workers that, it doesn't matter what anyone says, Diageo has made its decision to leave Kilmarnock and Hurlford.

"I would ask Diageo to seriously engage with the Scottish Government and the Trade Unions to recognise the loyalty this workforce has shown the firm over many years.

PARLIAMENT TO DEBATE THREATENED WHISKY JOBS

Kilmarnock & Loudoun MSP Willie Coffey has secured time for a debate on 2nd September about the job losses announced by Diageo at their plants at Kilmarnock, Hurlford and Port Dundas which will see the loss of 900 jobs.

Mr Coffey who represents the workers at the Kilmarnock and Hurlford said the debate would assist the campaign in trying to convince Diageo to rethink the planned job losses by showing the strength of cross party support for the campaign.

The Ayrshire MSP has already initiated an online petition against the Kilmarnock job losses which has burst through the 11,000 mark with many thousands more signing the hard copy version.

Mr Coffey, who launched the petition at an all party event with Kilmarnock Football Club, said:

"I am delighted to have secured this debate which will give Parliament a chance to hear the arguments against Diageo’s plans to make so many unemployed at this time.

“It will also be a great opportunity for Parliament to show how united the campaign is. Last Saturday’s march showed the width of political opposition to these plans and this debate will allow us to press home how unpopular their plans are.

“The response to Diageo's plans is also reflected in the response to the online petition I initiated which is already moving to the 12,000 mark.

"The message that Diageo seems to have forgotten is that customers across the world DO value Johnnie Walker's close connection with Kilmarnock.

“They may have lost sight of the value of this but an increasing number of customers across the world are giving Diageo the message - keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock."

FOOTBALL FOCUS TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR DIAGEO JOBS

A friendly football match between Kilmarnock and Partick Thistle tomorrow will become the focus for support for whisky workers threatened with job losses by Diageo as two SNP MSPs prepare to campaign on behalf of the workers.

The two teams are the local teams for the two plants where workers jobs are threatened – Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas Distillery in Glasgow. SNP MSPs, Willie Coffey for Kilmarnock and Loudoun and Glasgow’s Bob Doris, will both be helping raise awareness of the campaign for jobs at both plants.

Commenting before the match at Rugby Park in Kilmarnock local MSP Willie Coffey, who will be collecting names for a petition he initiated and which has already broken 11,000 online, said:

"The response to Sunday’s march was already a reflection of the response to the petition I initiated. It showed the level of concern about Diageo's plans.

"Equally I am sure this football match will become a focus of protest against Diageo’s decision. It will give local people in Kilmarnock and Glasgow the chance to show Diageo what they think of their decision to close down nearly two centuries of tradition.

"The message that Diageo seems to have forgotten is that customers across the world DO value Johnnie Walker's close connection with Kilmarnock.

“They may have lost sight of the value of this but an increasing number of customers across the world are giving Diageo the message - keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock and keep Port Dundas distillery open in Glasgow.

“I would urge fans old and new to come along and support both clubs tomorrow night and to also show their support for Kilmarnock and Glasgow’s whisky workers.”

Mr Bob Doris, who suggested that the football match would be an excellent focus in the campaign and will be helping trade unions leaflet the fans, said:

"Both Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock football clubs have shown a great commitment and determination to help their communities retain the jobs threatened by Diageo at Johnnie Walkers in Kilmarnock and the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.

“This pre-season friendly between both clubs is an ideal opportunity for fans to turn out in significant numbers for the match and take a united stand against Diageo's plans.

"It would be good to see people that have not been to a game for a while, or even first timers, make the effort to attend. Having spoken to both GMB and UNITE unions I know that the workers and the Unions would very much appreciate this.

“I hope others from Glasgow will make the trip through in a show of solidarity. Having spoken to the Jags Trust (Partick Thistle's supporters trust) they are certainly keen for as many from Glasgow to make the trip through to Kilmarnock.

"I know the Unions will be out in force at the game and fans will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their support."

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."

EFFORTS FOCUSSED ON DIAGEO JOBS

Two meetings today put the emphasis firmly on alternative proposals to save Diageo jobs.

SNP MSP Bob Doris convened a meeting of Scottish Enterprise along with GMB and Unite representatives and Glasgow City Council to begin discussions on alternative proposals to retain Diageo operations as the Port Dundas site.

SNP MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey will tonight join high level discussions to be led by Finance Secretary John Swinney as all parties focus on alternative business proposals.

Following this morning's Glasgow meeting held at Partick Thistle FC near Port Dundas SNP MSP Bob Doris who chaired the meeting said;

“This meeting gave those representing Port Dundas the chance to hear from Scottish Enterprise what steps they will be taking over the coming weeks and to begin discussions on an alternative proposal.

"Trade unions, politicians and the local authorities in both Glasgow and East Ayrshire are united in fighting Diageo's job cuts across Scotland and I was pleased to see union representatives from Kilmarnock join their Glasgow colleagues this morning.

"This morning was a key step in bringing together the fight to secure jobs at Port Dundas and identifying key issues in this campaign. Tonight's meeting in Edinburgh chaired by John Swinney is another step toward an alternative proposal that will halt Diageo's determination to close these plants.

SNP MSP Willie Coffey, who will attend tonight's summit meeting with Finance Secretary John Swinney said;

"Tonight's meeting demonstrates the unified campaign against Diageo's disastrous plans and I welcome the absolute commitment of everyone involved to the workforce in Kilmarnock and in Glasgow.

"Diageo have said they will listen and despite their apparent determination to close the sites we must take full advantage of that opportunity.

"The efforts of trade unions and politicians are being matched by an outpouring of public support in both Glasgow and Kilmarnock with local communities and international drinkers of Johnnie Walker registering their support.

"There should be no doubt that the workers and campaigners at Johnnie Walker will not let this plant close without a fight and that while Diageo might be big they will never be bigger than Johnnie Walker and its connection to Kilmarnock."

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.”

COFFEY - DIAGEO CAMPAIGN MUST STAY FOCUSSED

DIAGEO REFUSE TO DELAY JOB TRANSFER

SNP MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey has called for the campaign to save Diageo jobs to stay focussed as Diageo refused a request to delay the transfer of 64 workers from the plant at Hurlford to a different company based in Linwood– the first phase of closing Diageo’s sites.

In an email to Mr Coffey Diageo stated; “Our proposal is to transfer the business in two tranches - the first in or around September 2009, and the rest by the end of January 2010 and we will cease operating at the site by 31 January 2010” adding that as workers are being transferred “this decision is not subject to consultation with Diageo”

In further action SNP MSP for Glasgow Bob Doris will continue the joint campaign to save Diageo jobs in Scotland when he meets management at the Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow later today.

Kilmarnock MSP Willie Coffey said;

“There are 64 jobs due to be moved from Diageo in Hurlford to an outside company in Linwood in September – the first phase of Diageo’s plans to shut down their Ayrshire sites.

“Diageo’s behaviour to their workforce is increasingly questionable. It is outrageous that while discussions could still be taking place on alternative proposals workers will be being marched out of the door.

“Diageo claims this is a transfer so it does not have to deal with redundancy – but many of these workers may not be able to take up the jobs in Linwood.

“Despite the wider campaign and alternative proposals coming forward it seems Diageo are not willing to wait and will be transferring these jobs in September no matter what.

“I have asked for a delay and a real consultation with these workers but Diageo are currently refusing to make that happen.”

Commenting on the campaign to save the jobs in Diageo Mr Coffey said it must not be distracted by petty politics.

“This campaign is about two things rallying the public in support of the jobs at Johnnie Walker and Port Dundas and producing an alternative proposal to show Diageo that the plant and distillery are not only viable but an integral part of their business.

“Over the last week politicians of all parties have joined employees, trade unions and local communities to speak out against the closure – working together toward an alternative proposal that the First Minister will put forward to Diageo.

“I am deeply disappointed to see others trying to break that coalition and will not let it happen.

SNP Trade Union Group’s Malcolm Balfour added;

“To maximise its chance of success, the joint campaign must remain firmly united, so it was disappointing that individuals yesterday indulged in petty, political mischief making with a misinformed and baseless attack on the First Minister.

“The unions, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, East Ayrshire and Glasgow Councils and politicians from all the parties must work on a consensual and co-ordinated basis.

“The only way to persuade Diageo to reverse their closure plans and save the workforce is to put politics aside, work together and present Diageo with a viable alternative business plan.”

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.”

MSP JOINS DIAGEO PETITION LAUNCH

KILMARNOCK MSP WARNS DIAGEO AGAINST SCOTCH "SACRIFICE"

SNP MSP Bob Doris will join the GMB Union and MSPs from other parties to launch a petition against the closure of Diageo’s distillery at Port Dundas today.

The Glasgow MSP is also due to hold discussions with management and trade unions over the future of the plant.

Speaking ahead of the petition launch Mr Doris said;

“It is essential that as in Kilmarnock we have a united front in Glasgow to fight for jobs at Port Dundas. The efforts of the Trade Unions to bring everyone together shows the spirit and resilience that will secure jobs at this distillery.

“Employees at Port Dundas have gone out of their way to support Diageo in the past - the company’s decision to jettison employees who have worked hard to build and maintain the industry is utterly outrageous.

“If Diageo continue to shut down facilities and break the link between Scotch Whisky and its Scottish heritage it is the company that will ultimately suffer.”

Following reports in todays Daily Record that Diageo had already lodged a planning application for the Kilmarnock site SNP MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey has today confirmed that the application has been withdrawn. He is also seeking assurances from Diageo that no planning applications will be lodged for any sites affected by their proposals while alternative proposals are put together.

Mr Coffey spoke out today over the damage Diageo will do to Scotch Whisky if it continues to pursue its current strategy of consolidation.

Mr Coffey said;

“East Ayrshire Council has confirmed that the planning application from Diageo has been withdrawn. Diageo’s actions in the run up to this announcement are increasingly questionable and their attitude to any future discussions is of much concern.

"I am contacting Diageo to ensure they make no further applications for any of the sites proposed for closure under the restructuring announcements

“Paul Walsh’s strategy appears to be all about short term value and nothing about the long term value of Scotch whisky as a leading premium product.

“Much as the actions of a small few at banks like RBS threatened the long standing reputation of Scottish banking, so the actions of Diageo who seem determined to cut the historical ties and values of their brands risks leading Scotch Whisky down the wrong road.

“Sacrificing Scotch Whisky’s premium value as a drink made, produced and bottled in Scotland in the interests of short term profits will only damage this essential industry.”

DIAGEO CAMPAIGN PICKS UP SPEED

COFFEY RAISES CONCERN OVER HURLFORD WORKERS

Willie Coffey and Bob Doris have continued their campaign to keep the Diageo facilities in Kilmarnock and Port Dundas open.

Kilmarnock MSP Willie Coffey today met with trade union representatives at the Johnnie Walker plant and is writing to Diageo seeking a review of the timescales in which they plan to transfer workers from the Hurlford consolidation warehouse in Ayrshire to Malcolms, an external company.

The online petition launched by Mr Coffey has now reached over 4,000 signatures with at least 2,000 more collected locally and more people signing up by the minute.

Mr Coffey said;

"I met with the trade unions and employees this morning as I did last week when the news came through. Even though they are still in a state of shock, their commitment to a positive campaign to reverse this decision is impressive.

"This is not just about the Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock.

"Of immediate concern is the fate of those workers at Hurlford that Diageo wish to transfer out of the company.

"I have real concerns about the way in which Diageo are looking to transfer these staff and the timescales they are using and will be raising these concerns with the management at Diageo."

"The support that has been received from the Scottish Government, the council and the local community and the willingness of all those involved to work together to make Diageo see sense is essential to turning this disastrous decision round.

"With the petition reaching new heights people across Ayrshire, Scotland and around the world are sending a clear message to Diageo that the Johnnie Walker plant must stay at Kilmarnock and stay open."

SNP MSP for Glasgow Bob Doris who will meet Diageo at Port Dundas this week said;

“I have been in touch with the Scottish Government today and will be meeting Diageo this week to put the case for Port Dundas to remain open and to ensure those working at Port Dundas receive proper treatment from the company.

"It is vital that in Glasgow as in Kilmarnock the battle to keep Diageo jobs is fought as a united front across all parties working with the trade unions, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and the Local council to secure Glasgow and Scotland’s jobs.”

LAUNCH OF KILMARNOCK PETITION AGAINST JOHNNIE WALKER CLOSURE

Following the devastating news that Diageo is to close the Johnnie Walker plant at Kilmarnock with the loss of 700 jobs, local SNP MSP Willie Coffey has joined forces with Kilmarnock Football Club to launch a petition opposing the closure.

The petition will be launched tomorrow afternoon (3pm, Friday 3 July) at the Park Hotel, which is beside Kilmarnock FC’s ground, Rugby Park.

Kilmarnock Football Club was established in 1869 and has enjoyed close ties with “Johnnie Walker”, its management and employees for 140 years.

Michael Johnston, Chairman of Kilmarnock Football Club said:

“Diageo’s decision to close the “Johnnie Walker” plant in Kilmarnock announced yesterday must be reversed.

“Kilmarnock Football Club will support the employees whose jobs are under threat and our local politicians in their campaign to keep “Johnnie Walker” in Kilmarnock where it was founded in 1820.”

MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey, who joined workers at Jonnie Walker when the closure was announced yesterday said:

“In the face of such a potential hammer blow to the local economy, it is vital that we all band together to force Diageo to reverse their decision.

“Johnnie Walker and Kilmarnock FC are both vital to the life of this town. I am pleased to see Kilmarnock FC take such an active part in opposing this dreadful decision.”