iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Much to criticise in this Tory proposal but I am particularly concerned that it rather pointedly appears to exclude most of Orkney and Shetland (and only Orkney and Shetland) from protection...

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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 · 08/09/2026

It is vital that continued pressure is brought to bear to prevent further ethnic cleansing and restore the path to peace and a two-state solution.

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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Trade from illegal Israeli settlements was always a bizarre loophole and one that ought to have been closed long ago – a point I have made many times in Parliament over the years. The expansion of settlements and settler violence threaten to undermine the basic viability of the State of Palestine.

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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

It was pretty shocking (though the candour was welcome) to hear evidence earlier this year from DEFRA civil servants saying that their own staff - let alone other sections of government - see DEFRA as a less important department.

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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 · 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

Ultimately the issues around remuneration are just a part of a deeper malaise within the MCA. We have to solve the immediate crisis now – but the government must take on the underlying cultural issues within the agency for the long term as well.

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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

The minister stated for the first time that a possible legislative carve-out to restore the previous remuneration system is being considered. If the government takes this route there will, I suspect, be ready support across Parliament to ensure it is delivered in a timely manner.

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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

It was useful for the minister to confirm that he has paused the process in order to reflect on feedback, and that he agreed to keeping MPs updated on next steps, though it would have been better to have a clear commitment to a statement in the House of Commons before the process is resumed.

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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Since last week’s debate the problems with the MCA and its behaviour have only become more apparent. The immediate crisis around coastguard volunteer remuneration is just the tip of the iceberg.

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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

This is a direct result of the support and evidence put to me by islanders and people across the UK in recent days about the problems with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency - many thanks to all who have contributed. The UQ will be in the early afternoon today.

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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

Any move that could damage the quality and reliability of our coastguard services is a matter that should concern us all. I look forward to meeting with the Chief Executive to discuss this decision in due course.

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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

No one volunteers with the Coastguard for the sake of the remuneration but those payments matter. Cutting such remuneration is likely to undermine morale amongst local crews, harm future recruitment of volunteers, and could even risk causing active resignations from the service.

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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

The Coastguard is an integral part of our emergency services in the isles, no less than ambulance and police services. Anyone employed in the fishing and energy sectors – or indeed anyone else who works or travels by sea – knows the enormous importance of the Coastguard and its workers.

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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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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

We could save quite a lot of arguments if people would just acknowledge the basic truth that all of mainland Britain is The South. Amply evidenced by the fact that the first area you encounter when cross over from Orkney is called Sutherland.

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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

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

That Mr Farage made his visit days after it was revealed that Russian submarines had been surveilling energy pipelines and communications cables in our northern waters did raise a few eyebrows. Perhaps Vladimir asked him to pop up and take a closer look when the “covert” operation did not work out.

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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

The announcement today should be a reminder, too, that isolationism and nationalism are luxuries we cannot afford. We need to be working more closely together across the UK, Europe and beyond, not less, if we are going to counter threats from Russia and other malign actors in the long term.

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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

It is for exactly these reasons that I have continued to press the government to make greater security and resilience for our islands a priority over recent years. I met with the Security Minister in February to raise similar points, and I know that this is something that they are alive to.

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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.

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Alistair Carmichael MP @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

An important and adorable veterinary update.

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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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