Orkney and Shetland
Liberal Democrats

News

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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Carmichael leads debate on Baha’i persecution in Iran

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.

22 Oct 2022
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Carmichael highlights scientific advice reform and spatial squeeze in fisheries debate

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.

14 Oct 2022
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News from Orkney and Shetlands MSPs

Beatrice visits Cooke aquaculture salmon farm
Shetland

Wishart responds to growing salmon exports to Asia

Wishart responds to news that Scottish salmon exports to Asia have doubled to £24 million in the first quarter of this year, according to new figures, amid controversial proposals by the Scottish Government to implement Highly Protected Marine Areas.

23 May 2023
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HPMAs, buses, carbon emmissions

This week, in a debate on Sustainable Food Supply, my amendment highlighting the importance of fishing and aquaculture in the food supply chain, received support from opposition parties but not the SNP/Green Scottish Government.

21 May 2023
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Orcadian Column, 18 May 2023

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.

18 May 2023
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General News and Press Releases

McArthur marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

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.

15 May 2023
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