Safe return of stranded seafarers must be an urgent priority — Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has backed a cross-party parliamentary motion calling for the safe return of UK merchant navy sailors stranded by global COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The motion recognises that an estimated 2000 mariners have been trapped on board their ships for an extended period of time and the significant effect this will have on their physical and mental health.
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Carmichael writes to PM: bring forward legislation on country of origin labelling
Orkney and Shetland Liberal Democrat MP, Alistair Carmichael, has written to the Prime Minister following on from their exchange in the House of Commons on enhanced “country of origin” labelling protections for UK farmers. The Prime Minister yesterday suggested that he was in favour of closing loopholes in COO labelling and in the letter Mr Carmichael asks for confirmation on when legislation to do so will be brought forward. Today a National Farmers Union petition on enshrining food standards in future trade deals reached 1M signatures.
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Prime Minister will be held to his promise on country of origin labelling – Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland Liberal Democrat MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today challenged the Prime Minister to ensure that loopholes in country of origin (COO) protections for UK produce are closed. COO protections ensure that consumers have peace of mind about where food has come from, but there are concerns over gaps in the rules around processed and re-packaged meat. Mr Carmichael has promised to hold the Prime Minister to his word to improve protections for UK farmers.
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Carmichael challenges “swerving” Gove on consequences of food tariffs for isles businesses
Orkney and Shetland MP and Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Brexit, Alistair Carmichael, has challenged the government on the risk to export businesses from tariffs with the EU. Speaking in the House of Commons Mr Carmichael noted the risk of a knock-on effect from small interlinked businesses being unable to compete due to tariffs if the UK leaves the Single Market without a trade deal.
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Carmichael welcomes extension of free school meals scheme
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed news today that both the Scottish and UK governments would extend the provision of free school meals through the summer holidays in light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Both governments have agreed to fund school meals for those in need following a campaign led by footballer Marcus Rashford. Mr Carmichael joined a parliamentary motion recognising the fundraising and campaigning by Mr Rashford.
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Carmichael welcomes progress on plastic pollution regulation
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has spoken in the House of Commons in support of new regulations on single-use plastic:
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Carmichael and Wishart call for “legacy” of improved isles connectivity after coronavirus
Northern Isles representatives Alistair Carmichael MP and Beatrice Wishart MSP have written to the Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, calling for improved isles connectivity to be a positive legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic. Highlighting the increased need for strong connections due to “work from home” guidance and the ongoing challenges faced by isolated communities such as Foula and Skerries in Shetland, the Liberal Democrat parliamentarians call for close cooperation between the UK and Scottish governments with telecoms providers to improve service.
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Carmichael calls for urgent MCA response following fishing vessel incident
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has called for an urgent response from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) following a reported incident between a Spanish fishing vessel and a local trawler. Video footage posted on social media showed a Spanish gill-netter vessel allegedly attempting to damage the propeller of a local whitefish trawler. Mr Carmichael has written to the Chief Executive of the MCA, Brian Johnson, demanding action.
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Black Lives Matter protests a chance to act on racial inequality at home and abroad – Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has spoken out about the need to reflect on racism in the UK and around the world in light of the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in the US. Mr Carmichael has introduced and backed parliamentary motions calling for the suspension of sales of weapons to US police following the death of Mr Floyd and highlighted the real impact that past campaigns on lethal injection drugs had on changing US policy.
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Government must go further to restore postmaster trust – Carmichael
Responding today to the announcement of an independent review into the Horizon dispute, Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael has called for the government to go further to restore postmaster relations with the Post Office following the scandal which led to postmasters being falsely accused of fraud. Speaking in the House of Commons during an urgent question to the minister for postal services, Mr Carmichael called for a judge-led inquiry.
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