Carmichael raises concerns about repatriation support for constituents returning from overseas
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today raised concerns in the House of Commons about the support for people attempting to return to the UK during the coronavirus crisis. Addressing the Foreign Secretary following the announcement that the Government was advising against all foreign travel for the next thirty days, Mr Carmichael highlighted the situation of Northern Isles constituents who are currently trying to return home from outside the UK.
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Suspension of over-75s licence fee change a welcome step – Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed the announcement today that the BBC will delay changes to the licence fee for over-75s in light of the coronavirus outbreak. The BBC was due to bring back licence fees for over-75s starting from June. Mr Carmichael also called for community-based solutions to combat social isolation and support vulnerable individuals.
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Carmichael challenges Government on aviation safety plans
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has challenged Ministers to explain their position on ending UK membership of the EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Carmichael highlighted the potential harm to industry and the position of business leaders that continued membership of EASA was possible outside the Single Market.
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Prime Minister must be guided by commercial and technical expertise on Scottish space centre – Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, today challenged the Prime Minister in the House of Commons to ensure that commercial and technical expertise is prioritised in the allocation of support for a future spaceport in Scotland. The proposed Shetland Space Centre in Unst is under consideration for Government support and is seen as a good project location because of its clear airspace.
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Government backtrack on red diesel a win for farmers and fishermen – Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed news that the Government has stood down on a rumoured increase in red diesel duty for farmers and fishermen. Comments prior to the Budget announcement had suggested that red diesel duty would rise significantly, but in the Chancellor’s statement an exemption was allowed for agriculture and fishing.
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Government should meet with MPs to discuss period poverty Bill – Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, today challenged Ministers to back Wendy Chamberlain MP’s Bill aimed at improving accountability in the Government on its goal to eradicate period poverty in developing countries by 2030.
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Carmichael secures Government meeting on brain tumour research
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, today challenged the Government to re-establish a parliamentary inquiry into funding for research into brain tumours. Mr Carmichael asked the Health Minister to support a fresh inquiry and to revisit the funding of brain cancer, which accounts for 10% of under-50s cancer deaths in the UK while receiving only 2% of UK cancer research investment. Jo Churchill, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care, agreed to meet with Mr Carmichael to discuss the issues raised.
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Carmichael writes to Chancellor on red diesel duty concerns
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has written to the Chancellor to ask for clarification over concerns that this week’s Budget will raise duty rates on red diesel, impacting farmers, crofters and other industries. Red diesel is used in tractors, bulldozers, forklifts, cranes, combine harvesters and generators. The fuel attracts a duty of 11.1p a litre compared with 57.7p for standard diesel used by motorists and hauliers.
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Carmichael welcomes signing of Shared Rural Network agreement
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed today’s signing of the Shared Rural Network agreement by the four major mobile network operators. Mr Carmichael previously met with the then-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture Media & Sport, Nicky Morgan, to discuss the plans before last year’s election. The deal is intended to take 4G coverage to 95 per cent of the UK by the end of 2025, with guaranteed coverage for 280,000 premises and 16,000km of roads.
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Carmichael backs “Share a Million Stories” World Book Day campaign
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has put his support behind World Book Day’s national ‘Share a Story’ campaign, calling on parents and carers to read with their children for ten minutes a day. Every child in Orkney and Shetland will be given a £1 book token for World Book Day on Thursday 5th March, which they can take to a bookshop or supermarket to get their free World Book Day book.
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