According to the Sputnik UK Press Office the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has thrown it out of the organisation following political pressure.
Our earlier article explained the pressure initially from Conservatives on the city council at last week’s full council meeting.
A statement from the news agency reads : “As a result of an ongoing media and political campaign against Sputnik UK we are disappointed with the decision that has been made by the Chamber of Commerce to end our membership agreement.
“We disagree with the decision which we believe violates the principles of an independent and non-political body that the Chamber of Commerce claims to be. This is a discreditable moment in the Chambers 230 year history and is a clear signal for other businesses in Edinburgh that media and political pressure can lead to expulsion from this business institution.
“As the only international news agency with a main media-hub based in Edinburgh, we generate job opportunities for aspiring media professionals in Scotland.
“We hope that the political climate improves and in future opportunities that we provide will be more welcomed by the media and Scottish political establishment.”
We asked Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce for comment.
A spokesperson said:
“Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has concluded its review into the membership of Sputnik, the news and media organisation owned by the Russian state, which has its UK base in Edinburgh, and has decided to terminate Sputnik’s corporate membership.
Sputnik is a relatively new member having joined the Chamber several months ago. This decision has been taken following recent internationally reported events and the subsequently deteriorating relationship between our Government and the Russian state and after consultation with Sputnik’s senior management team.
The Chamber, which is an apolitical organisation also notes the important commercial and social links between the UK and Russia and hopes more cordial and mutually beneficial relations will be restored in due course.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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