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.
This week I took the opportunity to ask the Scottish Government how it will help support Shetland to decarbonise our ferries, and how the progress on a replacement building for the Gilbert Bain is being supported.
Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has praised the invaluable support provided by Marie Curie nurses and volunteers in Orkney and across Scotland as part of this year's Great Daffodil Appeal which seeks to raise funds for frontline services.
Wednesday marked International Women’s day and the Scottish Parliament held a series of events.
Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has welcomed the suspension of industrial action at HIAL airports following an enhanced pay offer that is now out for ballot by union members.
Last week began with a funeral service in St Magnus Cathedral celebrating the life of Robin Preston and concluded with news that Don Peace from Stronsay had sadly passed away.
Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur has called on the Transport Minister to act to end the "long running and damaging" dispute that has led to the suspension of lifeline services between Inverness and the three main island groups for six weeks.
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland’s MSP, Beatrice Wishart, met with local apprentices to highlight awareness week. This year’s theme is Unlocking Potential, with the aim of showcasing what individuals and employers can achieve through apprenticeships.
Ahead of Apprenticeship Awareness Week (6th – 10th March) my working week was kick-started at home on Monday by meeting local apprentices and their employers.
Responding to Loganair's decision to temporarily suspend services on routes between Kirkwall, Inverness and Sumburgh, Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur said: "This is deeply disappointing news made all the more disturbing by the fact that these are lifeline services.
