I'd abandon an independent Scotland, says Scottish bra entrepreneur

One of Britain's most successful female business owners has threatened to move her company from Scotland if the country gains independence.

Michelle Mone, founder of underwear brand Ultimo, said Scotland would be unable to sustain itself if it was not part of the UK.

"I am so passionate for Scotland but I have to say that if we do become independent, I will move," she told the Sunday Times. "I don't think we can survive on her own and I think it would be really bad for business."

Mone, whose Glasgow-based company MJM International turned over £42m last year, also criticised members of the Scottish politicians who are calling for independence.

"Would you trust them to run Scotland as a business? No, is the answer", she told the newspaper. "All they do is fight in parliament with their big egos. I would never trust any of them."

Following the publication of her comments, some Twitter users accused Mone of staging a PR stunt.

In response, the entrepreneur, who received an OBE in 2010, tweeted: "It's not a"new" threat when I commented that I'd move my family and business if Scotland becomes independent. I said it 2 years ago. Lots of angry SNP people out there watching too much Braveheart. Wake up and look at the statistics.

"I love Scotland so much but we wouldn't survive. Would love to see these SNP muppets run a business. Put ur [sic] energy into creating jobs instead of making this financial crisis so much worse."

Other Scottish entrepreneurs have raised similar concerns about Scottish independence such as Boyd Tunnock, managing director of biscuit company Tunnock's. Constitutional change has however been supported by business people including Dan Macdonald, chief executive of property developer Macdonald Estates.

First minister Alex Salmond told the BBC: "Michelle's concerns seem to be predicated on the idea that we'd put tax up. In fact, our strategy is to lower business tax which I think will be very helpful, not just at persuading Michelle Mone to stay but attracting lots of other businesses to Scotland."

What do you think? Should Scotland be independent? Post your comments below.