I was hearing at the weekend of the chaos in the driving tests system with many short-notice cancellations recently when this came in from Angus Macneil MP.
He also got complaints and he contacted the UK Transport Ministers asking for explanations and demanding solutions so that monthly driving tests in the Western Isles are re-established as soon as possible.
Angus MacNeil said: “The political pressure from me and constituents, has had an effect on the Driving Standard Agency (DSA) actions as, at the last moment, three examiners were made available to undertake the February tests and to clear the backlog of car and towing tests arising from the January cancellations. However, DSA is still offering bike tests seven weeks apart, which makes things very difficult for both the people waiting to take their test and driving and rider schools.”
The MP said people in the islands waiting to take their test, be that for car or motorcycle, were not receiving the level of service their counterparts on the mainland get from the Driving Standard Agency.
“London needs to understand that given the already limited access to test availability, it is crucial that continuity of the monthly testing is maintained, this is proving hard. I will keep working to make sure the UK Department for Transport ensures that monthly testing arrangements are re-established for all vehicles.
“This is another clear example of how badly people of Scotland needs a strong SNP voice in Westminster so that this and other powers are devolved to Scotland. London does not understand how important these services are for island communities such as ours.”
As some one who is half english – I’d like if my MP would explain who is this person “London”?
Does he/she/it get up in the morning and their first thought is – how can I do down the islands. Mr MacNeil grow up and stop using “London” as pejorative. a blind man can see what you are trying to do and insinuate, and it’s not pleasant.
This is truly pathetic. The MP needs to understand that “London” is not responsible for bad weather cancellations. On the other hand I do understand his need to get on his bike, by May at thee latest.
This is another clear example of an MP doing vritually nothing for 4 years, and desperately trying to appear busy at the last minute. Our MP does not understand how important all the many services he has done nothing about for too long are to island communites such as ours.
Whilst I agree totally with Donald that our MP has largely been a waste of space, having done virtually nothing for us since he was elected, the fact remains that, despite the protestations of the likes of OMC, the London Tory Party and the London Red Tory Party have no real interest in the Highlands and Islands other than for their fishing and hunting holidays. They treat Scotland as a playground for the idle rich and, in the case of the Red Tories, as a means to increase their representation in London. They also want to hang on to Scotland to exploit us and to continue to steal our money and resources.
An English government and parliament (which, in reality, the Westminster houses of thieves, crooks, liars and charlatans are) has no real interest in the well-being or welfare of the Scottish people. This is why we need to regain our independence. Anyone who wishes Scotland to remain as an English colony does not have any empathy with the Scottish people.
I agree with you Guga that the MP is worse than a waste of space, and he has achieved nothing except the occasional toe curling embarrassment for our islands. The fact remains that you people in the North keep voting him in despite his indolence.
He has very little support here in Barra, and I really hope that the penny has now dropped with you guys up there.
The referendum vote was a good start, I do hope you keep it up and pay him off to enjoy his fat pension come the election.