Support for Diageo jobs fight

SNP MSP for Kilmarnock Willie Coffey has praised people across Ayrshire and across the country who have flocked to sign a petition calling on Diageo to reverse its plans to close the Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock.

The petition, launched on Friday with Kilmarnock FC Chairman Michael Johnston, and hosted on the Kilmarnock FC website as well as at the Park Hotel Kilmarnock has reached over 2,000 signatures in less than 24 hours.

Over 1000 signatures have been recorded online within 24 hours of its launch with more being added all the time, while atleast another 1000 signatures have been left at the Park Hotel in Kilmarnock or collected in the town centre.

The online petition can be found at kilmarnockfc.co.uk or at

http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/save-johnnie-walkers-link-to-kilmarnock.html

Kilmarnock MSP Willie Coffey said;

"This petition will send a message loud and clear to Diageo that Johnnie Walker cannot walk away from Kilmarnock.

"I want to thank all those who have put their name to this petition and urge as many people as possible to sign up to save the "Johnnie Walker" plant in Kilmarnock.

"Kilmarnock is an integral part of Johnnie Walker Whisky, without its Kilmarnock roots there is no Johnnie Walker.

"The overwhelming response from people in Kilmarnock and across the country is a huge support to those at the plant now fearing for their future.

"It is vital that we all work together with the Scottish Government, East Ayrshire Council and the trade unions to ensure a future for "Johnnie Walker" in Kilmarnock and to protect not just the 700 jobs in Kilmarnock but also those jobs at risk in Glasgow from Diageo’s disastrous plans."