Support for Island Communities 2022-10-27
2022-10-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the importance of island communities in the United Kingdom. There is a need to address challenges and share best practices.
What steps he is taking to support island communities, given that island communities are important to the UK?
Island communities are important to the United Kingdom, which is why the previous Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster chaired the inaugural Islands Forum meeting in Orkney last month. This forum brought together council leaders, chief executives and other island representatives from across the UK to share challenges and best practice on net zero. The forum will continue to meet to work together on shared opportunities and challenges in other areas.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps or commitments for supporting island communities beyond mentioning an existing forum
Under Review
Will Continue To Meet
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Cornwall, despite not being an island, faces many of the same challenges as remote island communities due to its geographical position. This has shaped a proud but unique identity while also creating economic and service delivery challenges.
What consideration is given to Cornwall's unique geography when considering funding public services and in levelling up the Duchy? Cornwall's geographical position at the far end of the south-west peninsula creates well-known challenges that are understood by the Government.
Cornwall's geographical position is well known, and challenges are understood by the Government. The Government have committed £99 million across four Cornish towns through various funds and allocated £132 million from the UK shared prosperity fund for Cornwall to decide on local investments. We are also negotiating a historic devolution deal with Cornwall Council.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Ynys Môn has been granted special protected status under the Conservative government's recent boundary changes, ensuring a dedicated MP. The Welsh Labour Government's plans to increase the size of the Senedd do not prioritise Ynys Môn.
Does my hon. Friend agree that island communities have unique characteristics best represented by having a dedicated Member of Parliament? Ynys Môn has been deprioritised under Welsh Labour's plans but protected in UK boundary changes.
I agree with my hon. Friend's statement on protecting Ynys Môn's status, understand her concern about deprioritization, and recognise the importance of MSs despite the Welsh Labour Government being propped up by Plaid.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics on addressing concerns beyond agreeing with protection of Ynys Môn's status
Understood Her Point
Thank Her For Hard Work
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The main telecommunications cable between Shetland and the mainland was recently damaged, leaving most constituents without access to landline or broadband services. Despite quick resolution, there is a need for system resilience.
Will the Minister bring together stakeholders—companies involved, local authorities, Scottish Government, UK Government Departments—to discuss how to improve telecommunications resilience after the recent cable damage in Shetland?
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question and glad that services have been restored quickly. The Government are committed to island communities' representation, willing to continue meetings, and happy to meet stakeholders to discuss improvements.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete steps beyond mentioning willingness to meet stakeholders
Willing To Continue Meetings
Happy To Meet
Response accuracy