Campaign and petition email responses

Mutuals and Friendly Societies Bill

The Scottish Government is committed to developing tailored support for co-operatives, which and consulted on the subject earlier in the year.

We in the SNP want to realise the potential strengths of Scotland's regions, businesses and communities. Inclusive business models such as co-ops and employee owned businesses are often more resilient in a turbulent economy and supportive of local economies through the provision of services, employment and investment.

The Scottish Government wants to promote these alternative business models, strengthening our business base, and promoting wider societal benefits. Because of tailored support (via Co-operative Development Scotland and Community Shares Scotland) Scotland’s co-operative start-up rate is proportionally, the best of any UK nation.

My SNP colleagues and I will look at details of the bill as it is before us. Sadly, the archaic nature of the UK parliament is such that private member bills can easily be filibustered out by those who disagree. Someone who was particularly fond of this is the new Business Minister, Jacob Ress-Mogg, who repeatedly, as leader of the house, failed to take measures to reform this.