SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon MSP has today (Wednesday) written to the President of Iberdrola seeking a meeting to clarify the company's plans for Scottish Power following reports of an agreed takeover offer.

Ms Sturgeon said:

"We remain convinced that this deal is not in Scotland's national interest as there is nothing in it that will make Scotland more competitive.

"However, if the takeover goes ahead we need to know what Iberdrola's plans are for Scottish Power as there are real fears that Scottish employees, Scottish consumers and Scottish taxpayers will be worse off as a result.

"That is why I would like to meet with the President of Iberdrola to seek assurances that there will be no job losses for Scottish Power employees and that Scottish Power headquarters will remain in Glasgow.

"I am also keen to find out whether Iberdrola have plans to break-up the company, what plans they have to help poorer, more vulnerable customers and whether they will continue Scottish Power's important commitment to renewable energy and low carbon technology."

Note - the full text of the letter is as follows:

Dear Sr. Sánchez Galan,

As you will be aware the Scottish National Party takes a view on the foreign takeover of strategic energy companies similar to that taken by the Spanish Government. We do not welcome such bids and we shall continue to argue the case that the takeover of Scottish Power- Scotland's biggest industrial company- is not in the interests of Scotland or Scottish Power's employees and shareholders.

I note that in your statement accompanying the Recommended Offer you state that the takeover "will be very positive for employees and consumers", can you therefore give your views on the following issues:

Will you give an assurance that there will be no job losses for Scottish Power employees? If you do anticipate job losses how many jobs will go.

Will you give an assurance that a real, functioning Scottish Power headquarters will remain in Glasgow rather than just a nameplate.

Will you give an assurance that you have no plans to break-up the company?Will you outline how this takeover will be "very positive" for Scottish Power consumers, in particular what plans you have to help poorer, more vulnerable customers.

Will you give an assurance that you will continue Scottish Power's commitment to renewable energy and low carbon technology? In particular will you give a commitment that you will not divert investment into new nuclear power stations?

I believe it would be useful to discuss the SNP's concerns about the takeover on a face to face basis, I therefore think a meeting at the earliest opportunity would be useful. Such a meeting could take place here in Scotland or at your headquarters in Bilbao.

Yours sincerely,

Nicola Sturgeon MSP