Special A9 debate chance for MSPs to 'demand answers from the SNP-Green government'
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Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has said ahead of his Scottish Parliament Member’s Business debate on A9 dualling that it is an opportunity for all parties to demand answers from the SNP-Green government.
The debate is due to take place today and earlier Mr Halcro Johnston specifically invited a number of SNP MSPs to attend after they did not appear when transport minister gave her statement confirming the missed A9 dualling deadline.
“Since it was announced that the A9 dualling would not be finished as promised by 2025, we’ve had more questions than answers from the Scottish Government," Mr Halcro Johnston said.
“We still don’t know when Transport Scotland finally made the call that the target date would be missed. We still don’t know how long doubts were being raised within government and within Transport Scotland over whether the 2025 target could be delivered.
“And while we now know – if what the Transport Minister told me was accurate – that Scottish ministers were first told on the December 7 that the project would not be completed as promised, we don’t know why it took three months for Jenny Gilruth to inform parliament of this.
“After SNP and Green MSPs from the Highlands and Islands failed to attend the last debate on the subject, and then all except one actually voted down any criticism of the Scottish Government’s appalling failure to deliver this project, I have written to each personally inviting them to attend.
“I hope they will come along to today’s debate, stand up for the communities they represent, and take this important opportunity to demand answers from the Scottish Government on what has gone so terribly wrong.
“Local communities have waited long enough for this vital infrastructure upgrade - one which will bring huge benefits to the Highlands and Islands in terms of safety, connectivity and economic growth.
“We cannot afford any more delays or excuses – our constituents deserve better.”
