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Scottish independence: BBC under pressure over CBI membership | Scottish independence: BBC under pressure over CBI membership |
(35 minutes later) | |
Supporters of Scottish independence have questioned why the BBC has not resigned from the CBI over the business group's referendum stance. | Supporters of Scottish independence have questioned why the BBC has not resigned from the CBI over the business group's referendum stance. |
The CBI has registered as a backer of a "No" vote. | The CBI has registered as a backer of a "No" vote. |
Business for Scotland, which is campaigning for a "Yes" vote, said it would have thought the BBC's "duty of impartiality would mean that it would have no choice" but to leave the group. | Business for Scotland, which is campaigning for a "Yes" vote, said it would have thought the BBC's "duty of impartiality would mean that it would have no choice" but to leave the group. |
The BBC is yet to comment on its position. | The BBC is yet to comment on its position. |
Several bodies have already quit the CBI after it registered with the Electoral Commission - including the broadcaster STV. | Several bodies have already quit the CBI after it registered with the Electoral Commission - including the broadcaster STV. |
Most of Scotland's universities, several quangos, the Law Society of Scotland and two businesses, Aquamarine Power and Balhousie Care Group, have also left. | Most of Scotland's universities, several quangos, the Law Society of Scotland and two businesses, Aquamarine Power and Balhousie Care Group, have also left. |
The CBI has said it was confident the "vast majority" of its membership agreed with its stance on independence. | |
It has registered with the Electoral Commission as a backer of the pro-Union campaign. | |
The registration as a non-party participant allows it to spend up to £150,000 on campaigning during the regulated period from 30 May until the referendum on 18 September. | |
However, it is understood the CBI - which is the leading body in the UK representing large employers - has no money earmarked to influence the campaign. | |
Meanwhile, Robert Gordon University said that after extensive consultations principal Ferdinand von Prondzynski had decided to suspend CBI membership "for the time being". | Meanwhile, Robert Gordon University said that after extensive consultations principal Ferdinand von Prondzynski had decided to suspend CBI membership "for the time being". |
"This will be reviewed after the referendum and the university will maintain its position of neutrality," a statement added. | "This will be reviewed after the referendum and the university will maintain its position of neutrality," a statement added. |
On 18 September, voters in Scotland will be asked the referendum question "Should Scotland be an independent country?" | On 18 September, voters in Scotland will be asked the referendum question "Should Scotland be an independent country?" |