Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, today paid tribute to those affected by the disruption and loss from Russia’s attack on Ukraine, one year into the conflict. He also acknowledged the efforts by people in the Northern Isles to show solidarity with Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began.
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called on families living off the gas grid in the isles, who have yet to receive their Alternative Fuel Payment, to contact his office if they believe they are eligible.
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has this week called for the rollout of electric vehicles (EV) and renewables to be a spur for decentralisation of energy systems. Speaking in a parliamentary debate on EV infrastructure on Wednesday, Mr Carmichael highlighted the success of ReFLEX Orkney in boosting EV uptake, due in part to Orkney’s surplus of renewable energy. He noted that decentralisation could benefit not only individual incentives to switch to electric and save on bills, but also improve energy security and resilience around the country.
Orkney and Shetland MP and Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson, Alistair Carmichael, has today joined protestors against the operation of surveillance companies linked to the Chinese state from operating in the UK. Mr Carmichael met with Big Brother Watch, which led the protest, while highlighting the links Hikvision and other companies operating in the UK have with mass human rights abuses in Xinjiang in China.
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today highlighted the “counterproductive” approach by SNP-Green ministers on the Deposit Return Scheme in calling for both governments to cooperate on a strategy to tackle plastic pollution more broadly. Speaking in Parliament Mr Carmichael noted the challenges for plastic pollution caused by Covid measures, and the need to redouble efforts to tackle plastic waste.
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, responds to news that the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will resign:
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed news this evening that a planned meeting between Foreign Office officials and the governor of Xinjiang Erkin Yuniyaz will no longer go ahead. The meeting sparked controversy given the reports of a genocide against Uyghur Muslims in China, with Mr Carmichael and other MPs across Parliament calling for the meeting to be scrapped last week.
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today challenged the government over plans for Foreign Office officials to meet with the governor of Xinjiang Province, the location of widespread human rights abuses amounting to genocide in China. Erkin Tuniyaz has been sanctioned by the US but is planning to visit the UK next week to meet with government officials. The visit has been widely criticised, leading to an urgent debate on the matter this morning.
Shetland’s MP Alistair Carmichael and MSP Beatrice Wishart, met yesterday (Monday 30th January) with OVO representatives to discuss meter issues facing islanders.
It’s hard to put into words the horror of recent and ongoing events in Israel and Gaza. The murderous rampage and hostage taking by Hamas militants targeting a music festival and kibbutzim across southern Israeli was unspeakably barbaric.
Orkney’s MSP, Liam McArthur has today written to the CEO of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, highlighting concerns raised by constituents involved in animal welfare in Orkney over the closure of the Balmore rehoming centre.
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur today called on the First Minister to develop a new islands plan and put an end to the Scottish Government “overpromising and underdelivering” for Orkney and other island communities.
Happy retirement to MV Golden Mariana, which completed her final journey between Papay and Westray at the end of last week. Built in Devon in 1973, at 50 years old the Mariana was the oldest vessel in the Orkney Ferries fleet.
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has welcomed an undertaking from the Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson to meet the operators of the Screen Machine to discuss how its future may be safeguarded.
Liam McArthur, Orkney MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson for climate, today said that islanders have felt “excluded” from discussions about the UK’s energy transition.
The Prime Minister chose the eve of Climate Week to announce he was watering down his environmental commitments. With a general election due next year, Rishi Sunak has calculated that delaying targets will revive his party’s prospects at the polls.
Two years ago, I launched a consultation on proposals for a bill to allow terminally ill adults with mental capacity in Scotland the choice of an assisted death.
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has called on the Scottish Government to commit to the necessary action to protect rural access to justice, as new Sheriffs Principal guidance extends the use of ‘virtual custody’ courts.
