Politics / Greens to host public meeting to discuss autonomy for Shetland
IS SHETLAND autonomy a valid ambition and if so, which powers should be requested from the Scottish Government?
This is one of the many questions surrounding the topic that will be discussed at a meeting later this month, hosted by the local branch of the Scottish Greens.
It is the party’s third public event under the This is Democracy banner after similar meetings earlier this summer which were focused on education and drugs policy.
The forthcoming event on the 19 September is open to all and will be held at Mareel from 7pm to 9pm.
The meeting will be facilitated by Green councillor Alex Armitage alongside party member Sian Wild.
“I’m very much looking forward to welcoming folk to this discussion. Greens are a party that believe in devolving power to communities; Shetland Autonomy is in our DNA,” he said.
“Much has been said about Shetland self-determination in recent times, however the discussion thus far has been vague.
“The 2018 Islands Act gave island communities the ability to request extra powers from the Scottish Government. The ball has been in Shetland’s court for seven years now and very little has happened.
“The purpose of this event is to develop this strategy: which powers we should request from the Scottish Government?
“My thoughts are that our first extra powers requests should include control over the north boat contract, local control of fisheries, and planning control for large energy projects. I’d be fascinated to hear what others think.”
It comes just weeks after first minister John Swinney claimed that his government was open to handing over more powers to Shetland Islands Council.
“I think decisions are best taken by the people closer to the decision matter,” Swinney told a public meeting in Lerwick last month.
“I want to make sure there is the flexibility and the autonomy to make sure that is the case.”
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