Alistair Carmichael MP
@amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social
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.
Promoted by A. Carmichael of 4 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5DR.
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
So what I'm hearing is that attending @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social whisky tasting at conference is not only a great night out but also our patriotic duty?
Scottish whisky market slides into supply glut amid falling sales and US tariffs
Global sales fall by 3% in third consecutive year of decline as distilleries scale back production or expand storage
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:29 PM
So what I'm hearing is that attending @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social whisky tasting at conference is not only a great night out but also our patriotic duty?
This is a major concession from the Government and should be welcomed as such. After a tough year, farmers and their supporters finally have a reason to give cheers this Christmas.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Inheritance tax reliefs threshold to rise to £2.5m for farmers and businesses
£1m Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs threshold increased to £2.5m from April 2026 – allowing spouses or civil partners to pass on up to £5m in qualifying agricultural or business assets betw...
www.gov.uk
December 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM
This is a major concession from the Government and should be welcomed as such. After a tough year, farmers and their supporters finally have a reason to give cheers this Christmas.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
2/2
🤝This change is down to the work of many campaigners especially my colleagues @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social and @timfarron.bsky.social. I'm pleased to have also played my part in supporting our local farmers here in #NorthEastHampshire and will continue to do so.
🤝This change is down to the work of many campaigners especially my colleagues @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social and @timfarron.bsky.social. I'm pleased to have also played my part in supporting our local farmers here in #NorthEastHampshire and will continue to do so.
December 23, 2025 at 3:45 PM
2/2
🤝This change is down to the work of many campaigners especially my colleagues @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social and @timfarron.bsky.social. I'm pleased to have also played my part in supporting our local farmers here in #NorthEastHampshire and will continue to do so.
🤝This change is down to the work of many campaigners especially my colleagues @amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social and @timfarron.bsky.social. I'm pleased to have also played my part in supporting our local farmers here in #NorthEastHampshire and will continue to do so.
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
Lest anyone accuse me of inconsistency: yes, I am a free trader. But I am also a patriot. A strong whisky industry means a strong Britain. A nation permanently sozzled on single malt is a happy nation.
Here I stand. I can do no other.
Here I stand. I can do no other.
Ordinarily I’m against the sort of government agricultural support programmes that buy output from producers at high prices and dump it at a loss on the open market. In this case however
Whisky galore: Donald Trump’s tariffs and cost of living pressures create glut of undrunk Scotch
Concern over rural economies as distilleries left with a surplus that has forced some to pause or scale back production
www.ft.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Lest anyone accuse me of inconsistency: yes, I am a free trader. But I am also a patriot. A strong whisky industry means a strong Britain. A nation permanently sozzled on single malt is a happy nation.
Here I stand. I can do no other.
Here I stand. I can do no other.
Unbelievable, and yet entirely predictable. It is an abject failure of the SNP that two vessels that were supposed to be delivered in 2018 have been so badly mishandled - and emblematic of their failure of islanders in general.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
CalMac ferry Glen Rosa delayed again by up to six months
The delivery date for MV Glen Rosa is pushed back by up to another six months while there is a further short delay with the Turkish-built Isle of Islay.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Unbelievable, and yet entirely predictable. It is an abject failure of the SNP that two vessels that were supposed to be delivered in 2018 have been so badly mishandled - and emblematic of their failure of islanders in general.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
There has been quite the reaction to my questioning of Keir Starmer on Monday, particularly his tone-deaf answers on farm inheritance tax.
These issues are not going away in 2026 - they matter too much to rural and farming communities. There is plenty of work still to do - watch this space.
These issues are not going away in 2026 - they matter too much to rural and farming communities. There is plenty of work still to do - watch this space.
December 18, 2025 at 12:56 PM
There has been quite the reaction to my questioning of Keir Starmer on Monday, particularly his tone-deaf answers on farm inheritance tax.
These issues are not going away in 2026 - they matter too much to rural and farming communities. There is plenty of work still to do - watch this space.
These issues are not going away in 2026 - they matter too much to rural and farming communities. There is plenty of work still to do - watch this space.
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
For years, Liberal Democrats have fought to get us back into Erasmus.
The SNP promised a replacement for Erasmus but never delivered.
From young people to businesses, there are so many people in Scotland who have been messed around by the Conservatives’ harmful Brexit deal.
The SNP promised a replacement for Erasmus but never delivered.
From young people to businesses, there are so many people in Scotland who have been messed around by the Conservatives’ harmful Brexit deal.
December 17, 2025 at 3:40 PM
For years, Liberal Democrats have fought to get us back into Erasmus.
The SNP promised a replacement for Erasmus but never delivered.
From young people to businesses, there are so many people in Scotland who have been messed around by the Conservatives’ harmful Brexit deal.
The SNP promised a replacement for Erasmus but never delivered.
From young people to businesses, there are so many people in Scotland who have been messed around by the Conservatives’ harmful Brexit deal.
I am delighted that the government has reached this agreement, restoring a vital opportunity to live and study abroad to young people across the UK. Leaving the Erasmus programme was one of the most unnecessary own goals of the last Tory government.
Rejoining Erasmus is a real opportunity to start repairing the disastrous Conservative Brexit deal.
However it must be a first step on a clear roadmap to a closer relationship with Europe. Starting with negotiating a bespoke UK-EU customs union, and committing to a youth mobility scheme.
However it must be a first step on a clear roadmap to a closer relationship with Europe. Starting with negotiating a bespoke UK-EU customs union, and committing to a youth mobility scheme.
December 17, 2025 at 2:58 PM
I am delighted that the government has reached this agreement, restoring a vital opportunity to live and study abroad to young people across the UK. Leaving the Erasmus programme was one of the most unnecessary own goals of the last Tory government.
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
Rejoining Erasmus is a real opportunity to start repairing the disastrous Conservative Brexit deal.
However it must be a first step on a clear roadmap to a closer relationship with Europe. Starting with negotiating a bespoke UK-EU customs union, and committing to a youth mobility scheme.
However it must be a first step on a clear roadmap to a closer relationship with Europe. Starting with negotiating a bespoke UK-EU customs union, and committing to a youth mobility scheme.
December 17, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Rejoining Erasmus is a real opportunity to start repairing the disastrous Conservative Brexit deal.
However it must be a first step on a clear roadmap to a closer relationship with Europe. Starting with negotiating a bespoke UK-EU customs union, and committing to a youth mobility scheme.
However it must be a first step on a clear roadmap to a closer relationship with Europe. Starting with negotiating a bespoke UK-EU customs union, and committing to a youth mobility scheme.
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
The Scottish Government themselves have said that these new bonds are to raise money for infrastructure projects.
Tunnels for Shetland should be seen as a “when” rather than an “if”.
This should be a no-brainer for Scottish ministers to agree to.
Tunnels for Shetland should be seen as a “when” rather than an “if”.
This should be a no-brainer for Scottish ministers to agree to.
December 17, 2025 at 1:21 PM
The Scottish Government themselves have said that these new bonds are to raise money for infrastructure projects.
Tunnels for Shetland should be seen as a “when” rather than an “if”.
This should be a no-brainer for Scottish ministers to agree to.
Tunnels for Shetland should be seen as a “when” rather than an “if”.
This should be a no-brainer for Scottish ministers to agree to.
Last week I was fortunate enough to be able to meet and speak with my Ukrainian parliamentary counterpart Oleksandr Gaydu, chair of the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy of the Parliament of Ukraine, to talk about our shared priorities in resisting Russian aggression and defending food security.
December 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Last week I was fortunate enough to be able to meet and speak with my Ukrainian parliamentary counterpart Oleksandr Gaydu, chair of the Committee on Agrarian and Land Policy of the Parliament of Ukraine, to talk about our shared priorities in resisting Russian aggression and defending food security.
Questioning the Prime Minister at the Liaison Committee yesterday on the impact of inheritance tax changes on farmers. The personal, mental and financial impact on farmers over the age of 75 is particularly acute at this point, and yet there is little sign that the government is listening.
December 16, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Questioning the Prime Minister at the Liaison Committee yesterday on the impact of inheritance tax changes on farmers. The personal, mental and financial impact on farmers over the age of 75 is particularly acute at this point, and yet there is little sign that the government is listening.
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
I condemn this in the strongest possible terms and will continue to champion the rights of Hong Kongers. This campaign of repression cannot be allowed to go unchallenged.
The Government must make it clear to China in their bilateral relations that this is unacceptable.
The Government must make it clear to China in their bilateral relations that this is unacceptable.
December 15, 2025 at 3:09 PM
I condemn this in the strongest possible terms and will continue to champion the rights of Hong Kongers. This campaign of repression cannot be allowed to go unchallenged.
The Government must make it clear to China in their bilateral relations that this is unacceptable.
The Government must make it clear to China in their bilateral relations that this is unacceptable.
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
I am deeply troubled by the sentencing of Jimmy Lai to life imprisonment.
This is a clear case of politically motivated sentencing and amounts to the silencing of a British national speaking out for democracy, liberty and dignity for Hong Kongers.
This is a clear case of politically motivated sentencing and amounts to the silencing of a British national speaking out for democracy, liberty and dignity for Hong Kongers.
December 15, 2025 at 3:09 PM
I am deeply troubled by the sentencing of Jimmy Lai to life imprisonment.
This is a clear case of politically motivated sentencing and amounts to the silencing of a British national speaking out for democracy, liberty and dignity for Hong Kongers.
This is a clear case of politically motivated sentencing and amounts to the silencing of a British national speaking out for democracy, liberty and dignity for Hong Kongers.
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
Yesterday, @libdems.org.uk parliamentarians came together with representatives from Oxfam, Christian Aid and Amnesty UK for a roundtable on banning trade with Israel's illegal settlements.
A highly informative and productive session - thank you to
@amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social for chairing!
A highly informative and productive session - thank you to
@amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social for chairing!
December 10, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Yesterday, @libdems.org.uk parliamentarians came together with representatives from Oxfam, Christian Aid and Amnesty UK for a roundtable on banning trade with Israel's illegal settlements.
A highly informative and productive session - thank you to
@amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social for chairing!
A highly informative and productive session - thank you to
@amcarmichaelmp.bsky.social for chairing!
Reminds me of the piece I wrote in 2022:
"Progressive solidarity, however, runs entirely contrary to the SNP narrative that any mutual obligation with struggling families outside of Scotland means that Scots are getting 'shafted'."
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
"Progressive solidarity, however, runs entirely contrary to the SNP narrative that any mutual obligation with struggling families outside of Scotland means that Scots are getting 'shafted'."
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
December 8, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Reminds me of the piece I wrote in 2022:
"Progressive solidarity, however, runs entirely contrary to the SNP narrative that any mutual obligation with struggling families outside of Scotland means that Scots are getting 'shafted'."
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
"Progressive solidarity, however, runs entirely contrary to the SNP narrative that any mutual obligation with struggling families outside of Scotland means that Scots are getting 'shafted'."
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
The Animal Welfare Bill by @DannyChambers.bsky.social has become law.
This is a turning point for animal welfare in the UK - eradicating cruel practices, stopping pet mutilation and cracking down on the scourge of illegal puppy smuggling.
This is a turning point for animal welfare in the UK - eradicating cruel practices, stopping pet mutilation and cracking down on the scourge of illegal puppy smuggling.
December 3, 2025 at 12:33 PM
The Animal Welfare Bill by @DannyChambers.bsky.social has become law.
This is a turning point for animal welfare in the UK - eradicating cruel practices, stopping pet mutilation and cracking down on the scourge of illegal puppy smuggling.
This is a turning point for animal welfare in the UK - eradicating cruel practices, stopping pet mutilation and cracking down on the scourge of illegal puppy smuggling.
Perhaps she is thinking of the Judean People's Front.
There was no state. Who does she think crucified him, an anarchist collective?
November 28, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Perhaps she is thinking of the Judean People's Front.
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
The Government has deliberately turned its back on the single most effective step it could take to kick-start growth and fill the £90 billion Brexit-shaped hole in the public finances.
We need a new Customs Union with the EU to get our economy growing.
We need a new Customs Union with the EU to get our economy growing.
November 28, 2025 at 12:18 PM
The Government has deliberately turned its back on the single most effective step it could take to kick-start growth and fill the £90 billion Brexit-shaped hole in the public finances.
We need a new Customs Union with the EU to get our economy growing.
We need a new Customs Union with the EU to get our economy growing.
Writing in the Scotsman this evening:
How the Chancellor missed the most obvious way to kickstart the UK economy: a Customs Union with the EU
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
How the Chancellor missed the most obvious way to kickstart the UK economy: a Customs Union with the EU
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
How Rachel Reeves ignored the single most effective way to fix UK economy
Leaving the EU has cost the UK Government a staggering £90 billion a year in lost tax revenues, according to new research
www.scotsman.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Writing in the Scotsman this evening:
How the Chancellor missed the most obvious way to kickstart the UK economy: a Customs Union with the EU
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
How the Chancellor missed the most obvious way to kickstart the UK economy: a Customs Union with the EU
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
This was madness when the SNP tried to do it in Scotland. It would be double madness for Labour to try it in England and Wales.
Imagine coming up with a proposal so stupid, so unworkable, so thoughtless, that it makes Robert Jenrick look sane by comparison.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jury trials could be scrapped except in most serious cases
Only cases of alleged murder, rape or manslaughter will be decided by a jury under new proposals to cut court backlogs.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 5:25 PM
This was madness when the SNP tried to do it in Scotland. It would be double madness for Labour to try it in England and Wales.
Glad to join campaigners in Parliament today to mark Fuel Poverty Awareness Day - a moment to renew our efforts to end the scourge of fuel poverty across the UK and in the Northern Isles in particular. Warm homes and affordable energy are in everyone's interest.
November 25, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Glad to join campaigners in Parliament today to mark Fuel Poverty Awareness Day - a moment to renew our efforts to end the scourge of fuel poverty across the UK and in the Northern Isles in particular. Warm homes and affordable energy are in everyone's interest.
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
Defra being the Prezza of such panels
November 24, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Defra being the Prezza of such panels
I like to think we can punch above our weight at times...
The select committees are almost comically underpowered compared to other legislatures
November 24, 2025 at 5:16 PM
I like to think we can punch above our weight at times...
Reposted by Alistair Carmichael MP
He doesn't seem to be commenting on Polanski's popularity: he's challenging the workability of his proposed policy. In an age that's dominated by the question "how does this poll?", I'm quite reassured that some still ask "how will this work?" (We can then debate whether or not he's right).
November 23, 2025 at 9:47 PM
He doesn't seem to be commenting on Polanski's popularity: he's challenging the workability of his proposed policy. In an age that's dominated by the question "how does this poll?", I'm quite reassured that some still ask "how will this work?" (We can then debate whether or not he's right).