BLUEMOMENT

“I share the concerns already very forcibly expressed by my colleague Angus MacNeil, MP, the SNP Transport spokesman at Westminster on this.

The Committee members-none of whom represent coastal constituencies – have postponed this crucial debate until the last day of the consultation process on Coastguard services when clearly such an opportunity to inform and guide such a vital decision for our coastal communities is essential. The utter disregard exhibited here by ditching this at less than 48 hours notice beggars belief and has to be questioned. If the Department of Transport were to extend the consultation period to allow the subject to be properly aired this could save the situation but the disdain already shown in this matter does not suggest that such a pragmatic solution is likely to be seriously considered.

My Westminster contacts advise me that it is unprecedented for a debate to be erased from the order paper in such a way at such short notice. There seems to be little or no perception down there of how essential Coastguard services are to our fishing, ferry, marine transport and to recreational sailing on our complex and extensive coastline and home waters and how important that a network of informed staff with local knowledge is available when required.

This serves to demonstrate yet again the need for the Scottish Parliament to take the fullest control of Scottish issues.”

Arghiro wrote:Why would they want "open debate" when they have already made their decision. This is simply a way of avoiding dissent & sensible discussion. There will just be an announcement followed by a handfull of fobbed off questions, at least some of which will be planted by sympathetic lackey Govt MP's "Congratulating the Govt on saving money"