MUSSELBURGH MSP COMMENTS ON PROPOSED NEW WESTMINSTER BOUNDARIES

Local MSP Colin Beattie has commented on the proposed new Westminster constituency boundaries put forward by the Boundary Commission.  
The current proposals would see Musselburgh split between the East Lothian constituency and the Edinburgh East constituency to which many residents and Mr Beattie himself have raised concerns on.   
The proposals would also see Scotland lose 2 MPs overall.  
The consultation on the proposed new boundaries closes 5 December 2022.  
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:  
“I find the proposals put forward by the Boundary Commission deeply worrying for my constituents – especially those that reside in Musselburgh.  The revised boundaries put forward which will impact Musselburgh make no logical sense at all. What is proposed is to essentially divide a united community into two. 
“I and many residents in Musselburgh feel that their interests are very much aligned with that of East Lothian. The interests and needs of Musselburgh hold more local connections and similarities to East Lothian than that of Edinburgh.  
“Currently, Musselburgh is facing issues, for example, access to healthcare services at Riverside Medical Practice and ongoing consultation of the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme. Both issues I am involved with as the local MSP, but it would indeed make issues such as these more complex to deal with having Musselburgh split between two MPs.  
“These decisions are often made with lack of insight and understanding of a community and what the potential impact could be. It is important that feedback on this is considered very carefully where residents of Musselburgh and East Lothian, if not all agree that this proposal should not go ahead. 
“Overall, the proposed boundary changes will see Scotland lose 2 MPs. These changes purposely reduce our voice getting heard of vital issues that impact Scottish communities. It is important Scotland has fair representation to ensure its needs and wants are heard loud and clear in Westminster. 
If you have not already done so, I would strongly encourage giving feedback on your thoughts on the proposals here: https://www.bcs2023review.com/.” ​

Notes 
You can contribute to the consultation and view Colin’s comment on the Boundary Commission website here: https://www.bcs2023review.com/