Friday 29 March 2024
 6.2°C   SE Light Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Scottish Independence Debate / Wills accuses Cleaver of attacking free speech

North Isles councillor Gary Cleaver is unhappy about Jonathan Wills speaking publicly on the referendum.

LERWICK councillor Jonathan Wills has hit back after one of his colleagues suggested he should be censured for publicly voicing his opinion on the forthcoming referendum on Scottish independence.

On Friday North Isles councillor Gary Cleaver emailed the other 21 elected members asking why Wills was “insistent on commenting publicly upon this issue”.

“Am I right in thinking that it is council policy to stay neutral in the upcoming independence referendum and the debate that precedes it?” he asked colleagues.

Cleaver went on to ask whether a “robust public censuring of the errant doctor by our leadership” would follow.

Wills, who is openly in favour of Scotland becoming independent, said he found the message “astonishing” and “an outrageous attack on my independence and right to free speech”.

Council leader Gary Robinson, while striving to take advantage of the constitutional debate to secure greater autonomy for the islands, has been clear that the local authority will not take a unified position on Scottish independence.

However there has been no suggestion that individual councillors should feel inhibited from expressing their personal political views on the issue.

Wills said: “I have contributed to political debate in this community for over 40 years and intend to continue to express my opinions on public affairs for as long as I have breath.

“When I am representing the council in an official capacity I express its official views. When acting in a private capacity I give my personal views.”

In response Cleaver called into question the “efficacy” of Wills’ decision to share the exchange with the local media, adding that “at the heart of the principal [sic] of free speech is the right of others to be able to say shut up!”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.