News / LibDems kick-start northern isles constitutional debate
ISLANDERS have been urged to grab the opportunities the constitutional debate over Scotland’s future offers.
In a joint seven page submission to the UK government’s referendum consultation, the northern isles LibDem MSPs Tavish Scott and Liam McArthur said that it was “vital that the people of Orkney and Shetland seize this opportunity and engage very directly in this debate”.
They said now was the time to negotiate a better constitutional deal for the northern isles regardless of whether or not Scotland votes for independence.
In their document, they said: “The risk for the islands, however, is that the outcome of this referendum will be determined by the voters in Scotland’s central belt, whose legitimate concerns, expectations and aspirations are unlikely to fit with the perspective of the northern isles.
“Shetland and Orkney may never have a stronger opportunity to negotiate a future for the islands which can benefit the economy, culture and identity in the wider world for the advantage of future generations of islanders.
“There are obvious risks for the northern isles from ignoring this opportunity, not least as it will limit our ability to argue against the drift of public policy delivery to the central belt and the consequential loss of local accountability.
“Orkney and Shetland should establish their objectives as island communities in this period of constitutional upheaval and use their inherent advantages as leverage with both the UK and Scottish governments.”
They propose people in the isles should consider the following options:
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to retain their current constitutional position within the UK and as part of Scotland but negotiate additional responsibility over key public sector areas;
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enhanced powers or independence from Scotland if Scotland were to vote for independence but the northern isles voted no. The SNP’s policy at successive elections conceded the northern isles’ right to their own self-determination;
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enhanced constitutional and tax status within the UK. The Faroes provide one model with links to Denmark. Closer to home the Isle of Man and Channel Islands offer various models of island communities that constitute themselves in different ways from the rest of the UK.
Mr Scott said on Sunday: “Shetlanders have an opportunity to make the islands’ case as the future of Scotland is debated. What powers and responsibilities can be best delivered by islanders for islanders?
“I want to encourage a serious discussion in Shetland about how to use this period of constitutional upheaval to our advantage.
“If Shetland says nothing we will simply be taken for granted both in Edinburgh and London. So now is the time, with local council elections to discuss our future and what we want.”
Mr McArthur added: “People in Orkney and Shetland have always taken a different and distinct view on constitutional issues. There has long been a healthy scepticism about control over island affairs exercised by those in London, Edinburgh or even Inverness.
“The debate over Scotland’s constitutional future is an opportunity, therefore, for people in Orkney and Shetland to set out clearly what they wish to see in terms of more powers for the islands.
“Irrespective of the outcome of the referendum, it is important that the wishes of islanders are expressed clearly and respected by politicians of all parties.”
Their joint submission can be read in full here.
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