Cross party line-up for Scottish ‘marine hustings’

Organised by the Our Seas coalition, the event has so far lined up members of the Labour Liberal Democrat, and Green parties.

Our Seas comprises more than 100 organisations campaigning for better protection of the marine environment, and includes marine businesses, community groups, Scottish fishing associations, environmental and charitable organisations and marine recreational groups.

The hustings aim to have a broad span of political views discussing parties’ proposals for protecting the marine environment and the need for its sustainable use, said Our Seas on its Facebook page.

Those taking part include Alistair Carmichael MP, who has represented Orkney for the Lib Dems at Westminster for 20 years and is a former Scottish Secretary. His constituency includes extensive fish farming and fishing interests and he is currently his party’s home affairs spokesman.

Salmon farming

Claudia Beamish was the Scottish Labour Party’s spokesman for climate change, environment and land reform between 2011 and 2021 she is currently Scottish Labour's COP26 spokesman. She sat on the Rural Economy and Connectivity (REC) committee inquiry into salmon farming in 2018.

The Greens’ list candidate for the Mid Scotland and Fife region, Mark Ruskell, was his party’s spokesman on climate, energy, environment, food and farming in the last parliament. He also campaigns against Scotland’s £2 billion salmon farming industry.

Also on the panel, which will be chaired by Rob Edwards of the Ferret, is John Cox, representing Reform UK in the North East, and a founder of the Scottish Seafood Association, and former chair of both the Moray Firth Inshore Fisheries Group and the Scottish Fish Merchants Federation.

Meanwhile, Suzanne Martin will appear on behalf of the Women's Equality Party. Participants for the Scottish Conservatives and SNP have yet to be confirmed.

The marine hustings will be held on April 8, from 1900 - 2100 BST. You can submit questions in advance and register here.