Marie yesterday, Monday April 14th, met with First Minister John Swinney after being invited to his official residence, Bute House, to discuss issues relating to Scotland’s economy, jobs and regeneration. The wide-ranging discussion touched on a variety of current issues, including the impact of global trade tariffs, the potential for overseas investment in Scotland and the future of the Grangemouth refinery.

Commenting following the meeting, Marie said:

“I’m very grateful to the First Minister for the invitation to meet him to discuss issues of common concern relating to Scotland’s economy.

“Our discussion comes at a time of extraordinary challenges – but challenges can also bring moments of opportunity, and I am determined that Scotland is as well placed as possible to take advantage of those.

“I had the chance to hear first-hand from the First Minister about his recent visit to the United States and the trade and investment prospects which that involved.

“However, our meeting was also a chance to talk about some of the very real, pressing threats to Scotland’s long-term economic prospects.

“That includes the situation at Grangemouth, and I was very pleased to hear the First Minister yesterday make the case publicly to the UK Government that it should offer the same type of rescue package for the plant as it has done for British Steel workers

“Quite simply, what is good enough for Scunthorpe must be good enough for Grangemouth. Anything else exposes blatant double standards on the part of the UK Government.

“The First Minister and I agreed that we would keep in contact regarding the situation at Grangemouth, with a view to facilitating wider discussion on how the best possible outcome can be reached for the facility and its workers.”

Marie also returned to the STV, Scotland Tonight programme on (Tuesday 15th April) to discuss topical issues relating to Scotland’s economy, jobs and regeneration. There was a particular focus on the UK/ US trade deal progress and what that means for both the UK and Scottish economy. 

You can view the interview with Rona Dougall and Marie below…