Impact of Independence on UK Economy?

18th November 2012

Rupert Soames, CEO of Aggreko plc, will be questioned by the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee on Tuesday 20 November 2012, as part of their inquiry into the impact on the UK economy of Scottish independence.

The Committee will quiz Mr Soames on issues including.

* the advantages – and disadvantages – for business in an independent Scotland;
* the implications for his business should an independent Scotland introduce a different rate of corporation tax and whether tax relief would be affected;
* how important the UK’s membership of the EU and its single market is and, therefore, how damaging would any uncertainty be to Aggreko of an independent Scotland becoming a member of the EU; and
* whether independence would encourage a spurt of innovative and entrepreneurial energy.

The evidence session will take place at 3:35pm on Tuesday 20 November in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords.

The evidence session is open to the public. If you wish to attend you should go to Parliament’s Cromwell Green Entrance and allow time for security screening.

You can watch the session live on the internet at www.parliamentlive.tv

The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee is charged with considering economic affairs and is one of five permanent investigative committees of the House of Lords. For more information about this Committee see its website http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/economic-affairs-committee/

The Committee’s Members have served in roles including Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary of State for Scotland, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, FTSE 250 chief executive, professor of economics, deputy chair of the Competition Commission, economics editor of a national newspaper and Chairman of Lloyd’s of London.

The Economic Affairs Select Committee is chaired by Lord MacGregor of Pulham Market.