Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus B MacNeil has tabled another parliamentary question to the Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack requesting an update on the Islands Deal.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council have been working together to develop ambitious proposals to include within a Deal for the Islands.

In a previous parliamentary question in reference to the Prime Minister’s announcement of 28 July 2019 on City Region and Growth deals, Mr MacNeil asked Alister Jack MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland what information had been made available to(a) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, (b) Orkney Islands Council and (c) Shetland Islands Council on a deal for the Islands.

In his response, Mr Alister Jack said, “My officials continue to engage with the Islands partners and most recently met with the Islands Deal Programme Director on 2 August and 4 September to discuss next steps.  Officials also spoke with the Leader of Orkney Islands Council on 27 August. We expect to receive the latest suite of proposals from the Islands partners later this month.”

Commenting Angus MacNeil MP said:

“The Prime Minister confirmed on 28^th July that there would be Growth Deals for the Islands, however since this announcement the Government has fallen silent in providing further details on the Islands Deal.

“The three Island Councils have invested a great deal of time in taking forward a Deal for the Islands and it really is important that the UK Government make an announcement soon.”

ENDS