Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has this Tuesday led a parliamentary debate on the persecution of the Baha’i religious community in Iran. Mr Carmichael highlighted during the debate a range of recent concerns about the treatment of members of the religion in Iran in recent months, and called on the government to take further action to challenge human rights abuses in Iran.
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today backed calls for a general election following further turmoil in the Conservative government with the sacking of the Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, yesterday led a parliamentary debate on post-Brexit fisheries, highlighting a range of issues facing the fishing industry in recent years. During the debate Mr Carmichael noted the ongoing challenge of deckhand visas for vessels, along with inaction on gillnetting in the waters around Shetland by Scottish authorities, and the need for reforms to scientific advice on both spatial squeeze of fishing grounds and overall quota.
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, will today [Thursday] challenge ministers to offer a clear roadmap on making a workable visa scheme for skilled deckhands, as he leads a parliamentary debate on post-Brexit fisheries. In the debate Mr Carmichael will highlight a range of challenges facing the fishing industry including quota, the unsustainable practice of gillnetting and the current cost-of-living crisis.
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed the announcement today that the Scottish Government’s proposed “Islands Bond” scheme would be scrapped following widespread opposition from local communities. The proposal would have given cash incentives for individuals and families to move to Scottish island communities and was announced by the SNP during the Holyrood elections last year.
I’ve always taken the view that time spent in the smaller isles is good for the soul. Indeed, one of the great pleasures of being Orkney’s MSP is that travelling out to each of the isles over the course of a year is in the job description.
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur joined MSPs from across the parties in calling for more action to tackle Lyme disease.
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur today marked the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week raising awareness of mental health, during a visit to Orkney Blide Trust.
My week had an unintended rural theme.
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has thanked organisations active in helping provide support to those in rural and island areas struggling with their mental health.
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has urged the Scottish Government to ensure dentists are provided with detailed information on future funding arrangements as soon as possible and well ahead of the deadline for reforms being introduced in November this year.
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur reiterated his call for a fourth daily return sailing between Stromness and Scrabster following the grounding of MV Pentalina earlier this month.
The big events this week in the Parliament were two debates on Highly Protected Marine Areas, or HPMAs.
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart, has quizzed the Transport Minister on the booking system for the Northern Isles ferry route. Bookings beyond 30th September are not open.
