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Alistair Carmichael MP

@amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social
8.3K followers 386 following 327 posts

Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland. Chair of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. Promoted by A. Carmichael of 4 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5DR.

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Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
Sarah Dyke MP 🔶 @sarahdykeld.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Delighted that my food security motion passed at Liberal Democrat Conference yesterday.
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Richard Bates @discript.com · 18/09/2026
“We believe Thames Water can be turned around, but not by giving the keys back to the people who have been joy-riding in the family car. The government should reject offers from the company’s creditors in return for relief from fines for pollution and poor service,” says @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social
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Sarah Dyke MP 🔶 @sarahdykeld.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Last week I joined the EFRA Committee in Cumbria, investigating sewage pollution in Lake Windermere and hearing from farmers at the Westmorland Show as Bluetongue continues to spread. I’ll keep fighting alongside Alistair Carmichael and Tim Farron for farmers and cleaner rivers.
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Luke Taylor MP @luketaylorld.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
It takes an astonishing level of delusional hypocrisy to think that you are defending your nation whilst assaulting its public servants, and attacking brave volunteers keeping our coasts safe for all. There's nothing patriotic about thuggery. buff.ly/cm21ztK
bbc.co.uk
Police seek to identify protesters behind Portsmouth anti-migrant disorder
Sarah Jones told MPs the violence sparked by the arrival of 120 migrants in a single dinghy was "intimidating and thuggish".
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Every time you think that the ferry fiasco stories must surely be done... www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Valve failure on CalMac ferry saw uncontrolled escape of flammable gas
The "significant incident" happened last summer on a crossing from Arran with 82 passengers on board.
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Credit where it is due – this is a significant step by the UK government in holding Israel to account for the expansion of illegal settlements in Palestine, and the growing abuses seen around such settlements. It is a far stronger change in policy than many expected. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cm...
bbc.co.uk
Israel to shut down UK consulate in Jerusalem in response to sanctions on Israeli settlements in West Bank
Israel's foreign minister announced the move after UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband accused Israeli "settler terrorists" of "ethnic cleansing" in the illegally occupied West Bank.
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
I am perhaps slightly biased in these matters as EFRA Chair - but what could be more fundamental than the food you eat, the water you drink and the air you breathe?
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
I do not often cite my own team's work, but this piece by my Chief of Staff William Deans in the Scotsman today seems relevant... www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
scotsman.com
Why Tories' purge of net-zero supporters will only strengthen their rivals
The Conservatives are becoming increasingly obsessed with ideological purity, driving out people who think Brexit was a bad idea, those who support a reasonable climate policy and others
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Personally I am just glad that they haven't again used DEFRA as a convenient seat for whatever colleague really "has to be in Cabinet" and the job in question doesn't matter that much. Some continuity and stability will be welcome.
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 19/07/2026
Our Coastguard Rescue Officers give so much to keep our communities safe. It's time their pay reflected the value of their service. @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 14/07/2026
Andy Burnham has a chance to fix our broken political system now, before it is too late. Introduce proportional representation, give everyone an equal vote and an equal voice in our democracy, and make sure no politician or political party can afford to take them for granted ever again.
Ragout from Independent article headlined: 

LIB DEMS URGE Andy Burnham to change UK’s voting system before it is ‘too late’
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
We have not yet won this battle but for the first time we have the upper hand – there has been a clear shift in tone from the government today. There is more we must do but it now feels as though we have the wind at our back rather than in our face.
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
NEW: the Speaker of the House of Commons has agreed to allow me an Urgent Question today to the Secretary of State for Transport, asking for a statement on the management of the Maritime Coastguard Agency and proposed changes to payments made to Coastguard Rescue Officers.
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 01/07/2026
"I believe that the changes that are being introduced following on from the recent court of appeal judgement risk hollowing out a crucial emergency service." @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 24/06/2026
Andy Burnham must commit to dropping Labour's harmful red lines on Brexit. It is costing the UK £90bn a year. It's time for a bold new deal with Europe to boost growth, create jobs and keep our country safe.
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 19/06/2026
"If we are going to kickstart our economy and trade then we need to focus on what works – and what does not. Just this week another report by the Centre for European Reform confirmed that Brexit had reduced trade in almost every sector of our economy." @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social
It should be no surprise that my party has been banging the drum for a closer relationship with Europe – internationalism is in our DNA as liberals.

What is in question is whether the Labour government can wake up and let go of its outdated “red lines” on Europe. The sooner they do so, the better for us all.

Ten years of Brexit have been the lesson in the practical costs of isolationism. Now is the time to link arms again with our neighbours – and reap the benefits.

- Alistair Carmichael
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PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The Lib Dems love a good by-election – but, unfortunately, the favour is not always returned ✍️ @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social
politicshome.com
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 16/06/2026
"The Scottish Government has a broken relationship with rural Scotland. The Lib Dem results in the Highlands are a reflection that this government doesn’t get rural Scotland and hasn’t been present." @davidgreen4csr.bsky.social
The Scotsman.

The SNP lost the Highlands because they 'don't get rural Scotland', says new Lib Dem MSP
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
I have written to the Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for an urgent meeting on their planned cuts to coastguard volunteer remuneration.
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Danny Chambers MP 🔶 @dannychambers.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Our @libdems.org.uk Food Supply Chain Fairness Bill, introduced by @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social, would aim to get fairer prices for farmers and food producers across the UK, bring new checks and balances on the power of the big supermarkets.
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Max Wilkinson MP @maxwilkinson.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
It was kind of Robert Jenrick to set me up for an obvious joke at his expense.
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
The best case left for Starmer is that the alternatives amongst the Labour Party are so entirely uninspiring. It speaks volumes that amongst 400-odd MPs elected in 2024 there are so few who can credibly put themselves forward now.
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 28/04/2026
It’s shocking that no SNP minister has ever resigned despite islanders, taxpayers and shipyard workers being failed time and time again. Their ferries fiasco has become a national embarrassment. We would pass a Ferries Bill to end the SNP’s fiasco for good.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.

Lib Dem leader says he'll fix 'ferries fiasco' on Ardrossan visit.
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 27/04/2026
It’s shocking that no SNP minister has ever resigned despite islanders, taxpayers and shipyard workers being failed time and time again. Their ferries fiasco has become a national embarrassment. We would pass a Ferries Bill to end the SNP’s fiasco for good.
A new ferries bill to end the ferries fiasco for good.
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Christine Jardine @cajardinemp.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Shetland's' island communities deserve support from the Scottish Government to build the tunnels which could make such a difference to their economy. www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/mp-call...
shetlandtimes.co.uk
MP calls for tunnels saying outer isles are facing ‘dead time’ in the struggle to transport salmon
“If tunnels were built, the problems with the ferries would stop and salmon exports would get to market in a fresher condition.”
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
This morning, Police Scotland released a public service announcement, warning for rural communities to be vigilant for “suspicious people” of ill-intent. In unrelated news, on Tuesday morning Nigel Farage flew to the Northern Isles in his private plane. www.shetnews.co.uk/2026/04/14/f...
shetnews.co.uk
Farage in town on flying visit to Shetland
REFORM leader Nigel Farage has arrived in Shetland as part of a tour around the country as the Scottish elections loom. He arrived at Sumburgh Airport earlier...
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Revelations of further Russian incursions in our waters, targeting undersea cables and pipelines, should be a reminder of how important these connections are and that we cannot take their security for granted. Glad the government is trying to be transparent, where possible, about their response.
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 03/04/2026
"People up and down the west coast are waking up to the reality that having SNP MSPs has not given them a ‘seat at the table’ with the Scottish Government – it has given them a licence to be ignored, talked down to, and worse still, mocked." @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social
SNP minister Maree Todd this week shared an ‘April Fool’ mock-up of a CalMac ferry, covered in SNP branding.

With at least seven CalMac ferries currently out of action and half of all west coast crossings facing disruption or cancellations as we head into Easter – to say nothing of the years of mismanagement that preceded this crisis – Maree Todd’s ferry ‘joke’ is another reminder of just how much Scottish islanders have been taken for fools by the SNP.

- Alistair Carmichael
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Then again, ferries painted in SNP colours would at least represent an upgrade from the SNP’s history of launching boats with painted-on windows.
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 01/04/2026
Another fake SNP ferry launch. How tone deaf can you get to the plight of islanders right now. The SNP just don't get it.
Tweet from Maree Todd reading:

"Cracking day in Ullapool today!"

Image shows a Calmac ferry edited to show the SNP logo and read "VOTE TODD".
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
An important and adorable veterinary update.
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Caabu (Council for Arab-British Understanding) @caabu.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
We hosted an Eid Reception in parliament with @actionforhumanity.bsky.social. Grateful for contributions from Palestinian Ambassador, Husam Zomlot, @chris-doyle.bsky.social @othmanmoqbel.bsky.social, @julieelliottexmp.bsky.social, & for Chair @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social caabu.org/news/news/ca...
caabu.org
Caabu and Action for Humanity Eid reception in Parliament
Caabu and Action for Humanity Eid reception in ParliamentOn 23 March 2026, we hosted an Eid Reception in parliament, alongside our partner, Action for Humanity.We were delighted to welcome guests and...
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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 31/03/2026
Great to join Alex Cole-Hamilton to launch the Scottish Liberal Democrats campaign! From the water to our amazing activists, the energy is undeniable. We’re fighting for our communities, fixing the NHS, and putting local voices first. We’re winning and just getting started! 🔶
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Tackling the scandal of constraint payments was the first issue I raised with Keir Starmer after he became Prime Minister in 2024. I am glad that we are seeing some movement at last, through this trial plan to cut energy prices. www.shetnews.co.uk/2026/03/24/d...
shetnews.co.uk
Discounted electricity trial could be way into ‘Shetland tariff’, MP says
GOVERNMENT plans to tackle constraint payments to renewable energy companies could be a way to deliver a “Shetland tariff”, Northern Isles MP Alistair...
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Always good to meet with the National Farmers' Union Scotland in Parliament - talking about everything from the impact of the conflict in the Middle East through to sheep shearer visas.
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 20/03/2026
Malcolm Offord has just proved why he and his party should be nowhere near politics or power. During this car crash interview, this mansion-residing lord showed he only has a manifesto for peddling intolerance, ignorance and division.
Malcolm Offord should be utterly ashamed of some of his candidate's behaviour, and his own defence of them speaks volumes about his moral compass, or lack thereof.

Less than 24 hours after dropping a candidate list full of crackpots and failed Tories, Malcolm Offord and Reform have shown their true colours.

I have every confidence that the people of Scotland will roundly reject them come May.

- Jamie Greene
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Freddie van Mierlo MP 🔶 @freddievanmierlomp.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Grateful to join colleague and Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social to talk to local farming advocates Robin, David and Phil about the impacts and solutions to the Family Farm Tax. The government must back farmers, their work is vital to communities.
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Helen Morgan MP @helenmorganlibdem.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Alistair Carmichael MP chairs the committee that scrutinises the Government on farming, so it was good to introduce him to farmers from across North Shropshire this week. He heard first-hand the challenges they’re currently facing, and how this Labour Government is failing farmers.
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Good news that the government has relented and granted much-needed visas for sheep shearers - averting a potential animal welfare crisis for 1.5 million sheep in this country. What is less good is that ministers say they will refuse to grant the same visas next year - so more work to be done.
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 11/03/2026
Scottish families who rely on heating oil are being left to bear the brunt of shocks to the global market in their bills. The UK Government must provide immediate relief for households who are grappling with rocketing oil and gas prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
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Hazel Pinner @hazelmpinner.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
@amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social speaking on behalf of many of his constituents here. A reminder that #Orkney and #Shetland don't have mains gas & while many of us have electricity based heating now, lots of properties rely on oil heating. The cost of which has doubled in a week. A real concern for many.
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Or indeed both, and more besides. Defining identities as "progressive" or "regressive" misses the point that we are better off wearing these things lightly. If there is a lesson in Scottish politics for the last decade and a half, it is surely that...
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
We have a looming animal welfare crisis in our sheep flocks due to a lack of access to shearers, caused by the Home Office. When I raised these issues with DEFRA senior civil servants last week it was clear that they were not aware of the issue, let alone on top of it - they must get a grip of it.
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
A rapid increase in the cost of heating oil and red diesel would mean a “double whammy” of harm to the rural economy, and to island communities in particular. The government must set out its response as soon as possible - which is why I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer this afternoon.
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Scottish Liberal Democrats @scotlibdems.org.uk · 06/03/2026
"Every bomb that is dropped on Iran – and dropped by Iran on its neighbours – will create ripples that spread far and wide. The Prime Minister – and those who would cheerlead us into another war in the Middle East – would be wise to reflect upon that legacy." @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social
What is missing here, particularly in relation to the UK role in the current conflict, is a clear sense of what our interests and objectives are.

If there is a lesson from Iraq, it is surely that wars of choice without a clear objective or endpoint are likely to linger with us far beyond the initial moment of intervention.

- Alistair Carmichael
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Caabu (Council for Arab-British Understanding) @caabu.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
119 UK Parliamentarians call for further sanctions on Israel and a total ban on all trade and interaction with illegal Israeli settlements in letter to @yvettecooper-mp.bsky.social following yet further illegal Israeli government measures in the occupied State of Palestine. caabu.org/news/news/11...
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Helen Morgan MP @helenmorganlibdem.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
🐑 That means around 1.5million sheep currently going unsheared, including plenty in North Shropshire. 🌍️ International shearers are essential to help manage the UK sheep flock. To avoid an animal welfare crisis, we need a plan, rapidly.
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Helen Morgan MP @helenmorganlibdem.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
✅️ When I questioned the Home Office recently, officials said they expected DEFRA to have a plan for shearing in place by now. 🤷‍♀️ DEFRA was questioned yesterday - it seems like there is no plan.
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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Willie is absolutely right: Island crofters and farmers were supposed to be targeted as beneficiaries of FFIS, but Shetland businesses were awarded less than 1.9% of the first round funds, and the Western Isles a miserly 0.2%. The SNP will not improve until they admit what went wrong the first time.
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Willie Rennie MSP @willierennie.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Funding for a second round of the Future Farming Investment Scheme is welcome, but the SNP government needs to learn from the mistakes it made in the first round.
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