Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.3°C   SSE Strong Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

General Election 2019 / Alistair Carmichael

Liberal Democrats

I have always regarded it as an enormous privilege to represent these islands in Parliament.  It is a privilege that I have always sought to earn and have never taken for granted. As MP for Shetland and Orkney my priority has always been to give our communities a voice in the House of Commons. If I am again elected in December I will continue to put these islands first.

Over the years I have been able to help thousands of local people when they needed, whether with benefits, tax, immigration, broadband connection or anything else. Being available and approachable has been and always will be an essential part of how this job should be done.

In the last few weeks alone I have been fighting to keep Post Office services, to maintain locally provided air traffic control and to ensure that our fishermen are properly represented in the crucial December talks.

On climate change issues, I led the fight in Parliament to get support for local developers of wave and tidal power and worked to end single-use plastic and to clean up our seas.

I believe that the experience I have as your MP gives me an enormous advantage in making our case.

Recent elections in Orkney and Shetland have been between the Liberal Democrats and the SNP and this looks to be no different. It is important to set out where we differ.

I am proud of being both Scottish and British. I believe that the majority of people in the Northern Isles share my view that breaking up the UK is a bad idea. We said so, clearly, in 2014. I will oppose SNP plans for another independence referendum.

Both the SNP and the Conservatives have shown strong centralising instincts in recent years. For us in the isles this is an ever-present danger.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

The removal of local control of services like police, fire, ambulance, healthcare and education have all left us with a poorer service when we need it.This election was called because Parliament could not break the Brexit deadlock. Liberal Democrats have always believed in cooperating with our friends in Europe, and we continue to argue that our best future is as part of the European Union.

The institutions of the European Union need reform. Some, like the Common Fisheries Policy, probably need to be scrapped and taken right back to the beginning. I shall always argue for a fisheries management system that puts fishermen at the heart of the decision-making process.

Getting a good deal for local farmers, crofters and fishermen; getting the super fast broadband and mobile phone coverage that we need; taking action to tackle the climate emergency, to end the abuse of single-use plastics and cleaning up our seas.

These need to be priorities for our next Member of Parliament. I believe that they are the priorities of local people here in the isles. If I am again elected as your MP they will be my priorities.


I invite anyone looking to get in touch, whether to help with my campaign or to discuss issues, to contact me here:

Email: alistair4orkneyandshetland@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlistairCarmichaelUK/
Twitter: AMCarmichaelMP
Website: alistaircarmichael.co.uk

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.