Haulage campaigners threaten to boycott government meeting 2/2/12
Campaigners fighting against the hike in haulage ferry fares have threatened to pull out of a meeting with transport minister Keith Brown.
The Outer Hebrides Transport Group (OHTG) said it refused to be “bullied” into being dictated over who they chose as its representatives at a forthcoming showdown with Mr Brown.
Campaigners wanted to bring government critics MP Angus Macneil and Comhairle leader Angus Campbell along to help fight their case but discovered the pair were excluded from the invite list.
The appearance of Western Isles transport chief Donald Manford on the “approved” list rankled campaigners because there was no “indication as to why he should attend and the council leader and others be denied access to the meeting,” said campaigners.
Campaign spokesperson Gail Robertson said: “When did the Scottish Government begin approving those fit to lobby or meet with SNP Government ministers? This type of censorship, control and attempted manipulation should embarrass any democrat.”
She continued: “This RET issue affects every man woman and child in the Hebrides and to that end government must hear the views from across the economic community of the islands.
“The goods we take to and from the Hebrides sustain our economy, and hauliers are a small but vital part of that process.
“Our MP and our council leader, along with others, must be allowed to make that case in Edinburgh.”
The Scottish Government rushed to diffuse the controversy by issuing last minute invitations to both excluded politicians.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: "Ministers are disappointed by the Outer Hebrides Transport Group reaction to this invitation to discuss arrangements for the enhanced Traders Rebate Scheme.
“It is also surprising that the Group no longer wish to attend a meeting that they themselves requested at short notice, however we remain willing to listen.
"Angus Brendan MacNeil MP has already received a personal invitation from the Transport Minister to attend. In the spirit of cooperation Council leader Angus Campbell is also more than welcome and an invite has issued today.
“It is entirely appropriate that Councillor Donald Manford attends in his capacity as the Chair of the Council’s Transportation Committee.
"We are keen that we remain focused on agreeing a more flexible approach in the application of the enhanced Traders Rebate Scheme and look forward to hearing hauliers' views at next week’s meeting."
MSP Alasdair Allan said: “My understanding is that currently this group will include business representatives from Barra, Uist and Stornoway, as well as both local parliamentary representatives, the Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Transport Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
“As local MSP, I have been in touch with the Transport Minister about the guest list and I understand that his office has been liaising with those concerned.
“Ultimately the Transport Minister is hosting this meeting and I have no say in who is invited, although I have been spending some time in trying to get the meeting in a format to which all parties are prepared to agree.
“Rather than arguing endlessly about guest lists, however, I think the moment has arrived for all in the islands who want to see a better deal on lorry fares to speak to the minister with one voice.”