Members of Parliament for the largest and the smallest constituencies in the UK united yesterday, to make clear that any re-drawing of constituency boundaries to create a smaller House of Commons with fewer MPs should take particular account of the needs of Island communities. A debate was called yesterday by the Island’s MP Andrew Turner in response to suggestions that there could be one MP representing the majority of the Island but other parts of the Island might be merged with a mainland constituency.In his speech he said that Islands are “very special communities and special places that need special consideration”. He also pointed out that if a part of the Island was merged with the mainland it would be reasonable for that MP to live on the mainland as the majority of his constituents would live there, and he would not be considered to be part of the Island community.
Angus MacNeil the Scottish National MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (formerly the Western Isles) pointed out that his constituency was already the same length as Wales and highlighted some of the difficulties he faces in serving his constituents. He told the Minister that he would continue to ‘make common cause’ with the Isle of Wight.
Mr Turner said:
“Under the present rules the Island is getting close to the point where we would automatically get two MPs. I would support that, but it is no longer on the table. The Government rightly wants to significantly reduce the number of MPs and the cost of politics, but there needs to be careful consideration about how that works for islands with no physical link to the mainland. It may seem that the MPs for the largest and smallest constituencies arguing in unison against these proposals is an unlikely alliance – but that is because we understand how unique the communities we represent are.
“No final decisions have been taken on how this policy will be applied, so I wanted to make my concerns known now, about the idea that the Isle of Wight could simply be carved up and some of it merged with the mainland. The Solent is a physical barrier, but also a psychological one, more so than any other English county boundary. I am glad that the Minister made it clear that he is considering these issues carefully.
“On the mainland you may be able to simply redraw constituency borders – but it won’t work for the Isle of Wight, or for the Scottish Islands. I believe that any MP who represents the Island needs to be based here, and Islanders who have raised the issue with me overwhelmingly agree with that.”
Link to full text of the debate : Constituency Boundaries (Islands)
END : Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
