VisitScotland & STV among latest organisations to quit the Confederation of British Industry following it's No campaign backing against Scottish independence
STV, VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise have all announced their decisions to quit the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) after the organisation revealed that it planned to back the Better Together campaign fighting against independence in the upcoming Scottish referendum.
The three organisatons announced their decision, claiming that they had to remain politically neutral, and that meant their membership with the lobbying organisation could no longer continue after the CBI registered with the Electoral Commission in order to campaign for a No vote.
A statement from STV confirmed the move; “STV is a public service broadcaster with a duty of impartiality and as such we have no corporate or editorial position on the independence referendum in September.
"In light of CBI Scotland's decision to register with the Electoral Commission we have no choice but to resign our membership of CBI Scotland forthwith."
Meanwhile, VisitScotland explained: "In the light of the decision of CBI to register with the Electoral Commission, VisitScotland has decided it is appropriate to withdraw from the organisation."
Other organisations who have also resigned include Aquamarine Power and the Balhousie care home group, with more reportedly expected to follow, many of which are Government agencies.
A statement from the CBI, explained that the decision to register with the Electoral Commission was taken as it believed that Scotland and the UK would be economically stronger if the status quo remained.
"Given that we regularly hold a number of events in Scotland, including our annual dinner and lunch, and since these will fall within the campaign period, registering with the Commission is a question of good governance and ensures we comply with the law during the referendum period,” it continued.
The Scottish referendum will take place on Thursday 18 September.