DREW HENDRY: They draw lines on a map to make the numbers fit
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The latest Boundary Commission recommendations were published recently, and the proposals seem even more bizarre than those that came before – especially for our communities.
The current proposals will see Scotland lose representatives at Westminster – including one seat here in the Highlands – while constituencies in England will grow by 10.
And this is all happening at the same time as Boris Johnson becomes the latest rejected Prime Minister to add more Tory supporters and donors to the unelected House of Lords.
They are increasing the unelected representation at Westminster while reducing elected representatives in Scotland – how does that serve our communities?
Sometimes big things happen that affect us but at first glance may not seem important. Eyes can glaze over at the mere mention of parliamentary boundary changes. I get it – life is happening.
But if we believe that your voice matters, then reducing your elected representation matters. Especially at a time when people are facing a cost-of-living crisis that has been fuelled by decisions taken by the UK government. This move will also affect the way funding is allocated and how community needs are evaluated for support and funding. It also diminishes the focus needed for the diverse needs of our town and villages.
There has been no attempt to understand our communities and they continue to just draw lines on a map to make the numbers fit.
Families in Inverness will share an MP with folk living in Ullapool, while their friends and family in Culloden and Smithton have been seemingly kicked out of Inverness and have been lumped with Moray. Children going to the same school and families who share the same GP will be in different constituencies and Inverness Airport will be in the Moray constituency rather than Inverness – how does that make any sense to anyone?
The consultation on the current plans is only open for four weeks, and I’d encourage you to feedback your views atwww.bcs2023review.com/
Remembrance thanks
I also want to share my thanks to those who have worked so hard to stage and support the Remembrance events around this constituency and elsewhere.
Like many other colleagues, I have attended several Remembrance engagements over the past weeks. It is always an honour to pay respects to our veterans and remember those who have fallen.
