News / Opponents vote down SNP’s HIE plans
THE SNP minority government had to accept an embarrassing defeat in parliament when the combined force of opposition parties voted down controversial plans to abolish the board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Following a debate in the chamber on Wednesday afternoon the government was defeated by 64 votes against 63 SNP votes.
One of the most vocal critics of the plans, Shetland MSP Tavish Scott said SNP ministers had been given “their marching orders”.
Defending the SNP’s stance, the party’s highlands and islands list MSP Maree Todd said business support needed to be modernised while HIE would continue to be based, managed and directed in the Highlands and Islands area.
Scott said: “Despite SNP Highlands and Islands MSPs shamefully putting their party before their constituents, the government was defeated over its plans to centralise powers over economic development,” he said.
“Businesses and communities across the region have fought to retain an agency with a laser-like focus on their needs. Today is their victory.”
Orkney LibDem colleagues Liam McArthur added: “SNP Ministers now face a test. Will they respect the will of Parliament or blunder on with a ‘we know best’ approach?
“People and businesses in the Highlands & Islands will be watching closely.”
But Todd insisted that change was necessary, as Scotland needed to increase its productivity.
“The aim is to reduce duplication of effort across agencies and to ensure they all work together in a more cohesive way,” she said.
“HIE have done outstanding work in supporting business and industry throughout the area. This will not only continue, but be improved upon. Dedicated enterprise support for the Highlands and Islands that will be based, managed and directed in the area through HIE will be maintained.
“The creation of one strategic board to oversee all enterprise support will enable best practice to be shared and a single board will more effectively leverage opportunities on the international stage.”
She said she and her colleagues from the area have had many meetings with ministers to relay concern
“My colleague Kate Forbes has asked for the new super board to be based in the Highlands and Islands,” she continued.
“Lorne Crerar is working on a review of the structure which will report to (cabinet secretary for the economy) Keith Brown in the next couple of weeks and he’ll come back to parliament then.
“The reason we couldn’t support this motion is because it’s premature. Although it has been proposed to remove the board we don’t know yet what will replace it.”
However, Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross said it was time for the SNP to listen to local communities.
“Scottish Conservatives believe these plans for HIE centralisation should be shelved and now Parliament has given the same message,” he said.
“It’s time for the Scottish Government and SNP politicians to ditch the proposals and let HIE get back to work it does across the Highlands and Islands.”
Wednesday’s vote is not binding and it is up to the government to decide how to respond to the defeat.
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