Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Island Communities

Thursday 27 October 2022 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Island communities are important to the United Kingdom, and the previous Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster chaired the inaugural Islands Forum meeting in Orkney.
  • Cornwall's geographical challenges are well understood by the Government, with 99 million committed across four Cornish towns and 132 million allocated from the UK shared prosperity fund for Cornwall.
  • The Minister agrees with protecting Ynys Mn's status and is willing to continue meetings with stakeholders to discuss improvements in telecommunications resilience.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Virginia Crosbie
Climate Environment
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.

Question

What steps he is taking to support island communities, given that island communities are important to the UK?

Answer from Brendan Clarke-Smith

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps or commitments for supporting island communities beyond mentioning an existing forum

How: Under Review, Will Continue To Meet

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Q2 Steve Double Con
Economy Housing Local Government
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Brendan Clarke-Smith

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.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q3 Virginia Crosbie
Wales
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Brendan Clarke-Smith

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on addressing concerns beyond agreeing with protection of Ynys Môn's status

How: Understood Her Point, Thank Her For Hard Work

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Q4 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Transport Science & Technology
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Brendan Clarke-Smith

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps beyond mentioning willingness to meet stakeholders

How: Willing To Continue Meetings, Happy To Meet

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