Labour MP tables EDM over Scottish & Newcastle bid

Labour MP Tony Lloyd has put down an early day motion calling for Heineken to set out its plans for the UK arm of Scottish & Newcastle (S&N).

The motion, tabled by Lloyd, who represents Manchester Central, has been signed by 14 MPs.

It notes that "the board of Scottish and Newcastle Breweries has recommended to shareholders a bid by the Danish brewer Carlsberg and the Dutch brewer Heineken" and "recognises the major contribution of the workforce at Scottish and Newcastle Breweries to the success of Scottish and Newcastle and their attraction to Heineken".

Accordingly it "calls upon Heineken to clarify its intentions, with respect to production; to give guarantees to the existing workforce with respect to the security of their jobs; and further calls upon the government to ensure that the public interest in this takeover is seen as more than just that of the shareholders and act to secure that public interest."

A £7.6bn offer for S&N tabled last week by Carlsberg and Heineken was accepted by the UK brewer's board and is now the subject of shareholder and regulatory approval.

If given the green light the bid should complete in April, with Heineken subsequently taking over S&N's brands and its pub arm, Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises.

Jobs are expected to go at S&N's Edinburgh-based corporate headquarters, although details have yet to be announced regarding actual closures.