Iain Duncan Smith compares government’s approach to appeasement of Nazi Germany in the 1930s as foreign secretary meets Beijing officials
Just 9% of Scottish firms agree that the SNP government understands the business environment in Scotland, according to a new report from the Fraser of Allander Institute.
The survey of more than 400 businesses in July and August found that larger firms and those in the hospitality industry in particular agreed that the current administration was out of touch with business needs, presenting a challenge to Humza Yousaf, who set out a “new deal” for business soon after he became first minister in April in an attempt to improve relations which were widely seen to have suffered under Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership.
This is an issue that is discussed extensively – not just bilaterally, but at the United Nations. I take very seriously the report produced by the United Nations based on figures from the Chinese government.
So this will continue to be an area of discussion that I bring up alongside other areas, and I’m not going to change my posture on that. And I think the Chinese government understand the UK is consistent in our approach. I am consistent in my approach and I will keep raising these issues with the Chinese government.
