Following reports that Salmon Scotland CEO Tavish Scott is under formal investigation for alleged unlawful lobbying, the Green Britain Foundation calls for accountability and reform within the salmon farming industry.
The Sunday Mail has reported that Salmon Scotland and its Chief Executive, Tavish Scott, are under formal investigation by the Ethical Standards Commissioner for alleged unlawful lobbying activities.
When approached for comment, Dale Vince, founder of the Green Britain Foundation, issued the following statement:
“This is important. Tavish Scott, former politician and now the face of Scotland's factory farmed salmon industry, is under investigation for unlawful lobbying. That's deeply troubling in itself. But what's worse is the bigger picture it reveals; an industry that believes it can bully its critics into silence.
MSP Edward Mountain bravely called this out — he spoke publicly about the aggressive and threatening behaviour he faced from Scott, including warnings that the industry was ‘very unhappy’ with him and ‘willing to take action’ unless he withdrew his comments in Parliament. That’s not debate — that’s intimidation.
Attempting to silence elected representatives through pressure and intimidation is an abuse of power, and it undermines our democracy. The Scottish Parliament must be a place for open, honest debate, not a playground for vested interests.
This investigation must be thorough and unflinching. If wrongdoing is found, there must be real consequences. The days of the salmon industry using its wealth and influence to threaten and silence those who speak the truth must end.
We need genuine reform in the interests of Scotland’s people, its environment, and its democracy.”
The Green Britain Foundation continues to call for greater transparency and accountability within the salmon farming industry, and for urgent reform to ensure that lobbying and political influence are conducted lawfully, transparently, and in the public interest.
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