Ahead of Wednesday's Scottish Conservative Party Business Debate on the Scottish Government’s plans to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas, Highlands and Islands MSP and Convenor of the Scottish Parliament's Cross Party Group on Islands, Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP said:
“The proposals put forward by the SNP/Green coalition for HPMAs risk causing serious and irreversible harm to our fishing sector and fragile coastal communities.
“At a time when our fishing industry is already facing challenges, it is vital that we protect vitally important local jobs and livelihoods.
“The Scottish Conservatives oppose the Scottish Government proposals and, ahead of our upcoming debate on Wednesday and the vote that will follow it, I urge SNP MSPs across the Highlands and Islands to put their constituents first, not their toxic partnership with the Scottish Greens, and vote against these HPMA proposals.
“The SNP’s payroll vote, which includes ministers like Maree Todd and Emma Roddick, will be unlikely to risk their positions and go against their party’s whip. But both Kate Forbes and Fergus Ewing have publicly expressed their concerns with their government’s plans for HPMAs, and now is the time to show that’s more than just words.
“The Scottish Conservatives stand fully behind our coastal communities and fishing industry, and urge the Scottish Government to reconsider and work with local stakeholders to develop an evidence-based approach which truly protects our marine environment while safeguarding the livelihoods of those who depend on it.”
