Orkney and Shetland
Liberal Democrats

News

Alistair Carmichael - Westminster

Carmichael warns of “Cambridge Analytica”-style threat in genomics and national security debate

Orkney and Shetland MP and Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson, Alistair Carmichael, has today led the first ever parliamentary debate on genomics and national security. In the debate Mr Carmichael highlighted the enormous potential benefits and risks from genomic research, and warned that lack of interest and regulatory action could lead to a repeat of scandals such as those around data firm Cambridge Analytica caused by under-regulation of data.

8 Mar 2023
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Alistair Carmichael - Westminster

Ministers commit to no claw back on Alternative Fuel Payment – Carmichael secures response

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has secured a commitment from ministers not to “claw back” any Alternative Fuel Payment funds wrongly delivered to households in the isles. The delayed rollout of the Alternative Fuel Payment has caused confusion for many families in the isles who either have not received the payment despite apparently being eligible, or have received it despite not expecting it. Those who believe that they have wrongly been excluded from the payment can now apply manually through https://www.gov.uk/apply-alternative-fuel-bill-support-if-not-automatic.

8 Mar 2023
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Alistair Carmichael - Westminster

Isles representatives welcome positive news on Orkney energy transmission link

Orkney’s parliamentary representatives, Alistair Carmichael MP and Liam McArthur MSP have welcomed news today that Ofgem has launched a consultation on the £371m Orkney interconnector transmission link with provisional approval. The energy regulator has said it is minded to approve the proposals following recent developer progress in meeting Ofgem’s conditionality.

3 Mar 2023
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Alistair Carmichael - Westminster

Carmichael highlights unanswered questions on Alternative Fuel Payment in parliament

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today challenges ministers over unanswered questions on the operation of the Alternative Fuel Payment to off-grid households. Mr Carmichael noted that following a call for responses in the Northern Isles, many constituents have found that they have not received the payment despite being eligible, while others may have received the payment despite not expecting it given the government’s criteria – prompting concerns that officials may later “claw back” payments. Mr Carmichael called for urgent clarity from ministers on the issue by Tuesday.

2 Mar 2023
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Lib Dem logo bird projected on blockwork
Alistair Carmichael - Westminster

Government must cancel £500 energy bill rise in April – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called for the Government to cancel plans to hike the average household energy bill by £500 in April, and bring in a tax on the “bonanza bonuses” of oil and gas bosses. The party is calling for cuts to people's bills instead, combined with a new energy support package for businesses and public enterprises.

28 Feb 2023
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Alistair Carmichael - Westminster

Carmichael highlights refugee challenge following Turkey-Syria earthquake

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, yesterday raised concerns about the lack of access to short-term family reunion visas for those affected by the earthquake and Syria earlier this month. Speaking in a debate on the disaster in Parliament, Mr Carmichael highlighted the scale of loss of life, and noted that while more people will want to stay in place, some with close family in the UK could be better off with a short-term visa until homes are rebuilt.

24 Feb 2023
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Alistair Carmichael - Westminster

Ukraine invasion one year on: Carmichael pays tribute

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, today paid tribute to those affected by the disruption and loss from Russia’s attack on Ukraine, one year into the conflict. He also acknowledged the efforts by people in the Northern Isles to show solidarity with Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began.

24 Feb 2023
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Alistair Carmichael - Westminster

Carmichael calls for greater energy decentralisation in electric vehicles debate

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has this week called for the rollout of electric vehicles (EV) and renewables to be a spur for decentralisation of energy systems. Speaking in a parliamentary debate on EV infrastructure on Wednesday, Mr Carmichael highlighted the success of ReFLEX Orkney in boosting EV uptake, due in part to Orkney’s surplus of renewable energy. He noted that decentralisation could benefit not only individual incentives to switch to electric and save on bills, but also improve energy security and resilience around the country.

24 Feb 2023
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News from Orkney and Shetlands MSPs

Beatrice Wishart MSP stands at her lectern in the Scottish Parliament
Shetland

Wishart debates tunnel future

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Shetland and rural affairs spokesperson Beatrice Wishart led the Scottish Parliament’s first ever debate on fixed links today with proposals to transform how Scotland’s island and rural communities are connected.

6 Dec 2023
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STColumn

Shetland Times Column 1 December 2023

Last week’s weather, and no ferries for days as a consequence, was a reminder of the need for island resilience. Not that many of us need a reminder after last December’s “weather event” that saw power out for days in some places.

1 Dec 2023
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Liam McArthur with NHS Orkney CEO Laura Skaife-Knight at the Balfour
General News and Press Releases

McArthur raises NHS Orkney escalation at FMQs

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur today sought assurances from the Deputy First Minister that the Scottish Government will provide all appropriate support necessary to help NHS Orkney put its financial position on a more stable and sustainable footing.

30 Nov 2023
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Orcadian Column

Orcadian Column, 30 November 2023

Hosting the star of the Great British Bake Off and getting my first taste of chairing First Ministers Questions made for a busy few days at Holyrood last week that took some digesting.

30 Nov 2023
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