Carmichael calls for support to mitigate “worst effects” of renewed Iran conflict

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today in Parliament called for the government to do more to “mitigate the worst effects” of renewed conflict around Iran on the UK economy, and particularly food producers. Mr Carmichael spoke during an Urgent Question on the conflict, which follows two days of escalating strikes by the US on Iran and by Iran on neighbouring countries and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“May I welcome his acknowledgment and recognition of the implications for domestic industry of what is happening in the Gulf, especially for our food producers and food price inflation? The Minister’s Department has an enormous amount of expertise and knowledge. Will he give me some assurance that that expertise and knowledge is being deployed across Government so that we can mitigate the worst effects on our domestic economy, especially in relation to giving early warning of what is going on?”

Responding for the government, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP said:

“That is a very important question. I was involved in foreign affairs before I came to this House, and I recognise that, perhaps more so than in practically any period in recent history, foreign affairs determines the cost of living for every one of our constituents, and sets the circumstances in which every business in every constituency is now operating. The Foreign Office is seeking to play its full role across Government in helping British businesses and Britons to navigate what are difficult times.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“If there is one thing that we can be sure of following the renewed escalation around Iran in recent days, it is that one way or another there is going to be greater risk to energy supplies and trade through the Strait of Hormuz for the foreseeable future. There is a limit to what we can do to change that fact but it is in the government’s hands to support food producers with rising input costs – before that turns into higher food costs for families.”