Over the past few years, we’ve seen countless ferry breakdowns. More than half of the 31 state-owned vessels are older than the average life expectancy by most industry experts.
However, bar the two overdue vessels being built at Port Glasgow, the Scottish Government have failed over many years to invest in building new ferries.
We need vessels commissioned here in Scotland, operated in the public sector, and with workers and communities consulted every step of the way. I will continue to make that case in the Scottish Parliament going forward.