MSPs rebel in Holyrood fishing ban vote

In a Holyrood debate, a small rebellion of SNP MSPs voted against a Scottish Government plan to ban fishing and farming in 10 per cent of Scotland’s seas, in Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), writes Sandy Neil.

A parliamentary motion for Wednesday May 3, by Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP Rachael Hamilton (Con), called on ministers to reconsider.

It noted the proposals “arbitrarily designate 10 per cent as HPMAs with no scientific basis, or proper analysis of any ecological justification”, and “failed to gain the support of coastal communities” and “many local authorities also oppose them”.

An amendment, replacing Ms Hamilton’s lines, was lodged by the minister leading the reforms, Clydesdale MSP Màiri McAllan (SNP), the cabinet secretary for net zero and just transition.

It noted decision-makers must take action commensurate with the scale of Scotland’s climate and nature crisis, “through a fair and just transition”, and “believes that Scotland’s seas must remain a source of economic prosperity”. It also noted “the Scottish Government’s commitment that it will not impose HMPAs on communities vehemently opposed to them”.

The amendment won the majority – 62 MSPs voted for it: six Greens, 56 SNP, including Jenni Minto (Argyll and Bute) and Emma Roddick (Highlands and Islands), who are both ministers, and Maree Todd (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross).

Fifty-three MSPs voted against it, comprising 28 Conservative, 20 Labour, four Liberal Democrats, and one SNP: Fergus Ewing.

Two SNP MSPs abstained: Alasdair Allan (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) and Kate Forbes (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch).

Five SNP MSPs did not vote, as did three Tories (including Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron), two Labour, one Green, and the presiding officer.

You can read what your MSPs said in the debate at www.obantimes.co.uk.