Written Question · S4W-22026 · Session 4
Further to the statement in the Empowering Scotland's Island Communities report that “Instead of trying to influence Westminster, island co…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statement in the Empowering Scotland's Island Communities report that “Instead of trying to influence Westminster, island communities and authorities will have direct access to the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament to scrutinise the impact of government policies on the islands and present their views”, whether it considers that Scottish island communities are without access to the UK Government.
The answer
Independence will create a more democratic Scotland that will always get the government it votes for and have a strong voice for Scotland’s islands at the heart of government. Island communities already benefit from direct engagement from Scottish Ministers on devolved issues, for example at recent visits by the Scottish Cabinet to the Shetland Islands and the Western Isles, and from a higher level of parliamentary representation with an MSP for each Island local authority area. The Scottish Government’s proposals in ‘Empowering Scotland’s Island Communities’, such as designating a ‘minister for island communities’, protecting the position of island MSPs and bringing forward a bill for an islands Act upon independence, will ensure island communities have full access to ministers on all issues.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-22026 by reference.