Mark Lazarowicz, Labour MP for Edinburgh North & Leith, who takes a special interest in energy issues, is to demand assurances from both Scottish Power and the government following the news of the proposed takeover of Scottish Power by the Spanish company Iberdrola.
Mark Lazarowicz said: "The takeover raises a number of issues which are of great importance both for the Scottish economy as a whole, and for the Scottish energy sector in particular. If the merger does go ahead, we need assurances that:
1. Scottish Power will continue to keep a real and significant headquarters presence in Scotland;
2. There will be no job losses at their Scottish operations;
3. The new company will continue to invest and hopefully expand Scottish Power's existing significant involvement in the renewables industry;
4. The new company will continue to maintain, and hopefully expand, its programmes to support vulnerable consumers, particularly the elderly.
We also need clarification from Iberdrola on their strategy for the Scottish Power business as a whole, as reports suggest that the Spanish company, if successful in their bid, intend to sell off a large part of the business. This will cause great concern and insecurity to the staff who currently work for Scottish Power, so urgent answers are needed here.
I will be raising these concerns with Scottish Power and Iberdrola, and of course with the government, with both the Secretary of State for Trade & Industry, Alistair Darling MP and with Scotland Office Ministers.
28th November 2006Back to Press Releases