Wishart slams Yousaf for failure to appoint new transport minister
Following the resignation of Kevin Stewart last week, Scottish Liberal Democrat rural affairs spokesperson and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart, has today criticised Humza Yousaf for failing to appoint a new transport minister and urged the government to adopt a series of proposals to strengthen transport links and improve services.
Kevin Stewart MSP resigned on Tuesday of last week for health-related reasons. Mr Stewart was the third Transport Minister in three years.
Scottish Liberal Democrats have set out five key priorities for the new Transport Minister, whoever they may be:
- Establish a reliable ferry service for island communities across Scotland.
- Open up bookings on the Serco NorthLink ferry, which serves the Northern Isles, for dates beyond 30th September 2023.
- Explore new rail lines, particularly in areas where public transport links are poor.
- Cut train fares and introduce new options for two/three day a week season tickets.
- Extend under-22s bus pass to inter-island ferries.
Ms Wishart said:
‘’I wish Kevin Stewart well as he concentrates on his mental health.
‘’We are now awaiting the fourth Transport Minister in three years. We have waited a week for a replacement, but then again delays are nothing new to the Scottish Government’s handling of the transport portfolio.
‘’Humza Yousaf may be able to wait, but islanders and people living in more rural communities need to know that there is direct ministerial accountability for some of the biggest issues affecting them. This cannot be swept under the rug by a central-belt-centric SNP.
“That is why I am calling on the First Minister to appoint a new transport minister without delay, and for that new minister to adopt Scottish Liberal Democrat proposals to strengthen transport links and improve services. From cutting train fares to establishing a resilient ferry network, our party is committed to creating a public transport system that works for all communities, for all ages and for the climate.”