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Scotland prepares for day of destiny

Scotland's decision day has arrived, with voters north of the border going to the polls today to determine if the country should remain part of the United Kingdom or not.

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John Lewis: Independent Scotland could see price rises

John Lewis has warned shoppers in Scotland they could face higher prices in an independent Scotland.

Partnership chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield said the company had no intention of reducing its presence north of the border, where it has nine shops, a contact centre and employs more than 3,000 people.

But he cautioned firms were unlikely to continue sharing the burden of the higher operating costs incurred in Scotland across UK customers in the event of the break up of the Union.

John Lewis. Credit: Sean Dempsey/PA

Sir Charlie told BBC Radio 4's Today programme:

The debate has clearly become very, very fractious. As a businessman it is not my place to tell Scottish voters how to vote in next week's referendum.

But I will say two things. From a business perspective there will be economic consequences to a Yes vote, not just in uncertainty but some of the turmoil we are hearing about.

And it is also the case that it does cost more money to trade in parts of Scotland and therefore those hard costs, in the event of a Yes vote, are more likely to be passed on.

– Sir Charlie Mayfield, John Lewis Partnership chairman
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Scotland prepares for day of destiny

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