Swinson calls on Boundary Commission to change Scottish Parliament proposals

12.49.14pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 22nd Jun 2009

Jo Swinson MP has submitted objections to the proposed Scottish Parliament boundary changes as part of the Boundary Commission’s public consultation.

The Boundary Commission published revised proposals last month for new constituency boundaries. Unlike the original proposals which would have created a new “Milngavie and Bishopbriggs” constituency, the revised proposals look very similar to the current arrangement, with Strathkelvin & Bearsden still forming one constituency and Clydebank and Milngavie forming another.Jo Swinson MP: East Dunbartonshire

Jo Swinson criticises the new proposals for cutting Bearsden in two, and separating Milngavie and Bearsden which form a natural community. No objections were raised to the proposal to join Milngavie, Bearsden and Bishopbriggs together in one constituency, and so Ms Swinson questions why this idea was scrapped despite not being challenged in the public inquiry.

Commenting, Jo Swinson said:

“Putting a boundary through the middle of Bearsden divides the town in a very artificial manner, and separating Bearsden and Milngavie clearly goes against the public’s wishes.

“The proposal for a ‘Milngavie and Bishopbriggs’ constituency, which only needed Bearsden adding to the name, was not discussed as part of the public inquiry, so it is surprising and disappointing that the Boundary Commission has decided to change it. I hope the Commission will review this proposal before a final decision is made.”

Notes:

Maps of the current Scottish Parliament constituency boundaries are available here: http://www.bcomm-scotland.gov.uk/maps.htm

Maps of the Commission’s revised recommendations are available here:

http://www.bcomm-scotland.gov.uk/1st_holyrood/rev_rec_const/constindex.htm