BREXIT CHAOS PLANS AREN’T FERRY CLEAR
SNP keep mum on goods supply chain
SCOTS are being kept in the dark about SNP Government contingency plans for ferrying vital goods into the country in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Officials told the Record it is not in the “public interest” to give full details of any meetings or discussions to use ports to bypass potential chaos at Dover.
Scottish constitution minister Michael Russell has made initial contact with CMAL, which owns harbours used by ferry operator CalMac.
He has also travelled to the port of Zeebrugge in Belgium to see if it can provide direct links.
The Record asked under freedom of information laws for details of any SNP Government contact with port authorities and communication between ministers.
Officials replied: “We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government and to inform public debate.
“However, there is a greater public interest in high-quality policy and decision-making and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and decisions.”
Scottish Greens transport spokesman John Finnie said: “People across Scotland need to know what plans Scottish ministers are making.”
On Tuesday, Russell said the Tory Government have failed to give the clarity needed to make UK-wide preparations.
He added: “We do not yet know how much ferry capacity is available or what routes will exist or what priority goods will be carried.”