Responding to confirmation that the SNP & Scottish Greens have agreed on a new power-sharing partnership within the Scottish Parliament, Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, George McKay said:

“Businesses will want to very carefully examine the detail of this agreement to understand what the implications are for the direction of the Scottish Government and Scotland’s economy, at this crucial time, as we seek to recover from the twin challenges of exiting the EU and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Recovery from the pandemic and Glasgow’s hosting of COP26 later this year creates a real opportunity to accelerate Scotland’s net-zero ambitions, but we need to do so in a way that protects the many communities and jobs currently involved in carbon-intensive sectors of our economy by prioritising a Just Transition.

“Businesses have been clear that what they are looking for from the Scottish Government, whatever its composition, is a commitment to implement stronger pro-business policies, creating an economic environment which will enable us to grow, continue to employ talent and make Scotland an increasingly attractive place for investors.

“Scotland’s business communities are looking for demonstrable actions which fit these needs and expectations for employers, employees, and our young people entering the workplace for the first time.”