Death threat against MP

POLICE in Orkney are investigating a reported death threat against Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael over his decision to vote in favour of air strikes against Syria earlier this month.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed officers were carrying out enquiries into “reported items of communications” sent to Carmichael’s office in Kirkwall last Thursday (10 December).

She said on Wednesday: “Enquiries are continuing and suitable safety advice has been provided.”

Carmichael said he was unable to comment other than to confirm the matter was “in the hands of the police” and “I cannot risk prejudicing their enquiry”.

The MP set out his position on the Syrian airstrikes, which divided opinion across the UK, in detail here at the time of the House of Commons vote two weeks ago. After an all-day debate MPs voted in favour by a margin of 397-223.

A Liberal Democrat spokeswoman said: “A threatening letter related to the recent vote on Syrian air strikes was sent to one of the constituency offices and was reported to police.

“These kind of comments are abhorrent and it’s only right that the police investigate who is behind them.”