Rennie comments as metal tycoon faces prosecution over accounts

Responding to the news that steel magnate Sanjeev Gupta, who owns the Dalzell steel plant in Motherwell and the Lochaber aluminium smelter, is being prosecuted over his alleged failure to file accounts for more than 70 companies, Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Willie Rennie said:

“I am concerned for the fate of Gupta’s business empire and the workers in Motherwell and Lochaber.

“For years his businesses have juggled unfiled accounts, questionable Scottish Government deals and Serious Fraud Office probes.

“Now I have been told that employees at the Motherwell steel plant are at home on 80% wages with no work due to issues with cash flow and input prices.

“Every time I ask ministers questions on this, they insist they have had no contact and see no problem so let me spell this out for them: A man who owes you millions of pounds in loans and could cost you tens of millions in clean up costs is being prosecuted for his alleged failure to file accounts. What are you doing to secure the future of these businesses and ensure taxpayers are not left picking up the tab?”