Disease control is a devolved matter, and it is for the devolved administrations to assess their disease risks and respond accordingly. However, each of the administrations seeks consistent and coordinated response to disease control across Great Britain (GB) where possible. Avian influenza control measures for the three GB administrations are set out in the GB notifiable avian disease control strategy (copy also attached to this answer).

As part of the coordinated GB response to avian influenza, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out year-round avian influenza surveillance of dead wild birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols on behalf of Defra, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government to help us understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird. Through this surveillance, wild birds including Eider ducks, great black-backed gulls, gannets and Arctic terns have been found positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 on Shetland. The Scottish Government is working closely with APHA, NatureScot and other non-governmental organisations including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the British Trust for Ornithology to monitor and respond to the effect of avian influenza on wild birds on Shetland and other areas of Scotland.

The Shetland Islands Council have communicated their views for achieving financial and political self-determination to the UK Government. The UK Government’s position remains consistent; we are keen to see power sit at the most appropriate level of Government, including local government and there is much that the Scottish Government could learn from United Kingdom Government practice in that respect.

The UK Government engages closely with local government and the devolved administrations, as well as wider public and private sector organisations. We will always work constructively with all layers of government to ensure the best outcomes for people, businesses and jobs.

The UK Government has not held discussions with the Scottish Government about the decision of Shetland Council on 9 September to approve a motion for “exploring options” for achieving “financial and political self-determination”.

We recognise the importance of Shetland and its proud traditions and contribution to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom Government has already demonstrated commitment to devolution of power in areas such as Greater Manchester and Greater London as well as in Scotland. We are keen to see power sit at the most appropriate level of government, including local government, and there is much that the Scottish Government could learn from United Kingdom Government practice in that respect.

Government has noted the vote by the Shetland Islands Council, which was driven by funding cuts and centralised decision-making by the Scottish Government. This highlights the many problems with the Scottish Government’s position on the break up of the UK.

The Government’s Spaceflight Programme will enable British spaceports to unlock a £4bn opportunity to launch small satellites. Several locations around the UK plan to operate a spaceport, which will require a licence under the Space Industry Act 2018.

In 2017, officials from the UK Space Agency met with representatives from Shetland Islands Council, alongside the Shetland Space Centre team, to hear about their plans to develop a spaceport in Unst. They agreed to speak again once the spaceport plans were more developed. UK Space Agency officials have subsequently met with the Shetland Space Centre on a number of occasions to hear about progress.