Orkney and Shetland
Liberal Democrats

News

Carmichael speaks out against “slapdash” scrapping of EU law

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has stated that he will oppose the Retained EU Law Bill when it comes to Parliament on Wednesday, 18th January. The Bill empowers the government to review, change or delete at least 3,800 regulations introduced during the UK’s membership of the EU by the end of this year, covering a wide range of areas from health and safety to workers’ rights. The government’s self-imposed “sunset clause” means that ministers have until the end of this year to go through all European legislation on the statute books and choose which will be revised, replaced or rejected entirely.

16 Jan 2023
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Orkney Tractor Run success recognised in Parliament

The success of the Orkney Tractor Run 2022 has been recognised in Parliament this week. Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael lodged a parliamentary motion congratulating the organisers for the event and highlighting donations which have surpassed £28,000, to be split between Orkney Blide Trust and Orkney Heart Support Group.

13 Jan 2023
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Passport fees to increase from February

Islanders have been warned this week that passport fees will be increased by the government, starting from 2 February, and to consider early renewal of passports if they are close to expiry. Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael made the call following severe delays in passport renewals through 2022, which left many people across the UK waiting over ten weeks to receive their passports during the summer peak.

12 Jan 2023
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Stronger action from Ofcom needed to protect and enhance universal postal service – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has spoken yesterday in a parliamentary debate on the future of the postal service, calling for Ofcom to use its powers to protect and enhance the universal service. Speaking in the debate, Mr Carmichael highlighted the challenges faced by isles businesses due to “unreliable” delivery services by Royal Mail, exacerbated by the absence of alternative delivery companies in the Northern Isles. He noted that Ofcom has a central regulatory role in overseeing Royal Mail and must use its powers to protect the universal service obligation.

11 Jan 2023
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Carmichael calls for commitment to further tidal energy support in parliamentary debate

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has called on the government to clarify future support for tidal stream power in the upcoming Contracts for Difference auction during a House of Commons debate this week. Speaking during a debate on tidal power secured by Jim Shannon MP, Mr Carmichael highlighted the benefits of tidal as a predictable source of energy and pressed the responding minister to commit to continued government support in the fifth round of Contracts for Difference pricing auctions this spring.

11 Jan 2023
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Federation of Small Businesses analysis shows risks in government cuts to energy support

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today responded to new analysis by the Federation of Small Businesses of the government’s planned changes to non-domestic energy support. Findings from the FSB suggest that the average small business would access just £47 in a year under the new scheme, which comes into effect from 1 April, while two thirds of firms “could at very most theoretically access £200.”

10 Jan 2023
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Government announces scaling back of energy bill support for businesses – Carmichael responds

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today responded to the government’s announcement of scaled back energy bill support for businesses from 1 April. The current £18 billion scheme (Energy Bill Relief Scheme) has supported businesses and public sector organisations such as charities by providing a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices, and will be replaced by a smaller £5.5bn scheme running to 31 March 2024.

9 Jan 2023
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Carmichael urges farmers to join closing NFUS survey on soaring production costs

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today urged local farmers to participate in a NFUS survey on rising costs of food production, before it closes. The survey, which closes tomorrow (Tuesday 10th January), takes just minutes to complete and is intended to give a clearer indication of the input costs and other challenges facing Scottish farmers in order to inform advocacy with parliament and government.

9 Jan 2023
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Carmichael secures meeting on marine energy centre support following debate on renewables

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today led a parliamentary debate on government support for marine renewables, calling for a renewed push by government to allow the vital green industry to build on past success. In the debate Mr Carmichael noted the potential for tidal stream renewables to become a world-leading success for the UK, with significant export opportunities and high quality employment in coastal communities.

7 Dec 2022
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News from Orkney and Shetlands MSPs

Orcadian Column, 10 August 2023

Sanday got Show Week off to a promising start last Friday. Despite a chill in the air it was a fine day, encouraging locals and visitors to turn out in decent numbers, which was good to see.

11 Aug 2023
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Orcadian Column, 27 July 2023

Summer recess offers a welcome opportunity to spend time at home, even if the Islands Games and a couple of days watching Ashes cricket in Manchester have put an enjoyable spoke in the wheels of those plans recently.

27 Jul 2023
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