Alistair Carmichael Portrait

Alistair Carmichael

Liberal Democrat - Orkney and Shetland

7,807 (37.7%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 7th June 2001


Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Justice)
11th Jul 2022 - 18th Sep 2024
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Northern Ireland)
7th Sep 2020 - 18th Sep 2024
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Home Affairs)
7th Sep 2020 - 18th Sep 2024
Prison Media Bill
15th May 2024 - 22nd May 2024
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)
7th Sep 2020 - 10th Jul 2022
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Bill
2nd Feb 2022 - 9th Feb 2022
Local Government (Disqualification) Bill
24th Nov 2021 - 1st Dec 2021
Liberal Democrat Chief Whip
16th Jun 2017 - 7th Sep 2020
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
6th Jan 2020 - 7th Sep 2020
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Exiting the European Union)
6th Jan 2020 - 7th Sep 2020
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Northern Ireland)
16th Jun 2017 - 6th Jan 2020
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
7th Feb 2019 - 21st Aug 2019
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Home Affairs)
29th Jul 2015 - 16th Jun 2017
Committee on Exiting the European Union
31st Oct 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union
31st Oct 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Energy and Climate Change Committee
8th Jul 2015 - 17th Oct 2016
Secretary of State for Scotland
7th Oct 2013 - 8th May 2015
Comptroller (HM Household) (Deputy Chief Whip, House of Commons)
12th May 2010 - 7th Oct 2013
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Northern Ireland)
18th Oct 2007 - 6th May 2010
Scottish Affairs Committee
28th Jan 2008 - 6th May 2010
Consolidation etc. Bills (Joint Committee)
25th Mar 2008 - 6th May 2010
Members' Allowances
9th Feb 2009 - 6th May 2010
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Scotland)
1st Jun 2008 - 12th Apr 2010
Draft Constitutional Renewal Bill (Joint Committee)
1st May 2008 - 22nd Jul 2008
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Transport)
3rd Mar 2006 - 18th Oct 2007
Public Accounts Committee
12th Jul 2005 - 22nd May 2006
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Home Affairs)
10th May 2005 - 2nd Mar 2006
Scottish Affairs Committee
16th Jul 2001 - 12th Jul 2005
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change)
10th May 2001 - 10th May 2005
International Development Committee
5th Nov 2001 - 26th Feb 2002


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Alistair Carmichael has voted in 35 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Alistair Carmichael Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(8 debate interactions)
Barry Gardiner (Labour)
(6 debate interactions)
James Murray (Labour (Co-op))
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
(5 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(7 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Alistair Carmichael has not made any spoken contributions to legislative debate
View all Alistair Carmichael's debates

Orkney and Shetland Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petitions with highest Orkney and Shetland signature proportion
Petitions with most Orkney and Shetland signatures
Alistair Carmichael has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Alistair Carmichael

18th December 2024
Alistair Carmichael signed this EDM on Thursday 19th December 2024

Government response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report on communication of changes to women’s State Pension age

Tabled by: Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat - Torbay)
That this House condemns the Government’s refusal to provide any compensation to women affected by changes to the State Pension age, turning its back on millions of pension-age women who were harmed through no fault of their own; regrets Ministers’ decision to effectively ignore the recommendations of the independent Parliamentary …
33 signatures
(Most recent: 20 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 33
7th October 2024
Alistair Carmichael signed this EDM on Wednesday 18th December 2024

Peace in the Middle East

Tabled by: Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat - Bicester and Woodstock)
That this House notes its deep alarm at the escalation of violence in the Middle East amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, 100 Israelis still being held hostage and a new humanitarian crisis in Lebanon; urges the Government to work to bring about immediate bilateral ceasefires in Lebanon and …
63 signatures
(Most recent: 18 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 58
Green Party: 4
Labour: 1
View All Alistair Carmichael's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Alistair Carmichael, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Alistair Carmichael has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Alistair Carmichael has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

11 Bills introduced by Alistair Carmichael


A Bill to set targets for the reduction of plastic pollution; to require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy and annual reports on plastic pollution reduction; to establish an advisory committee on plastic pollution; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to require Ministers of the Crown to disclose that they have been issued with a fixed penalty notice; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 6th May 2022

A Bill to make provision about the powers and duties of the Groceries Code Adjudicator; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 11th December 2023

A Bill to prohibit any increase in the minimum income requirement for family visas; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 19th February 2024

A Bill to make provision for the appointment by Parliament of the Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner if the post is vacant for three months or more; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Thursday 12th January 2023

A Bill to set targets for the reduction of plastic pollution; to require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy and annual reports on plastic pollution reduction; to establish an advisory committee on plastic pollution; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Thursday 5th November 2020

A Bill to place requirements on the Government relating to the Sino-British Joint Declaration 1984 and human rights in Hong Kong; to make provision about immigration for Hong Kong residents including granting rights to live in the United Kingdom; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 25th February 2020
(Read Debate)

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 3rd July 2019
(Read Debate)

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about the acceptance of Scottish banknotes throughout the United Kingdom; to oblige businesses and companies to accept Scottish banknotes as payment; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Thursday 11th April 2019
(Read Debate)

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to set targets for the reduction of plastic pollution; to require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy and annual reports on plastic pollution reduction; to establish an advisory committee on plastic pollution; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Monday 25th February 2019

A Bill to make provision about the disclosure of the quality of mobile telecommunications network coverage by providers and establish penalties for non-compliance; to provide recourse for consumers who enter contracts for such services that do not perform as advertised; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 2nd February 2016

26 Bills co-sponsored by Alistair Carmichael

Scottish Law Officers (Devolution) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Joanna Cherry (SNP)

Energy Costs (Pre-payment Meters and Social Tariffs) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Kenny MacAskill (Alba)

Brain Tumours Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Siobhain McDonagh (Lab)

Fire and Building Safety (Public Inquiry) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Daisy Cooper (LD)

Sewage Discharges Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tim Farron (LD)

Import of Products of Forced Labour from Xinjiang (Prohibition) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)

Tibet (Reciprocal Access) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Tim Loughton (Con)

Environment (Regulation) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Tim Farron (LD)

Company Transparency (Carbon in Supply Chains) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Karen Bradley (Con)

Immigration (Health and Social Care Staff) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Christine Jardine (LD)

Workers (Definition and Rights) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Chris Stephens (SNP)

Parliamentary Constituencies (Amendment) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Afzal Khan (Lab)

Animals (Recognition of Sentience) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Kerry McCarthy (Lab)

Plastics Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Geraint Davies (Ind)

Parental Leave and Pay Arrangements (Publication) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Jo Swinson (LD)

Multi-employer Pension Schemes Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alan Brown (SNP)

Supervised Drug Consumption Facilities Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alison Thewliss (SNP)

Unsolicited Calls (Prevention) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Stephen Kerr (Con)

Legalisation of Cannabis (Medicinal Purposes) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Karen Lee (Lab)

Cold Weather Payments Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Hywel Williams (PC)

Food Advertising (Protection of Children from Targeting) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Kirstene Hair (Con)

Courts (Abuse of Process) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Liz Saville Roberts (PC)

Vehicle Fuel (Publication of Tax Information) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Peter Aldous (Con)

Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Liz Saville Roberts (PC)

Promotion of Israeli-Palestinian Peace (United Kingdom Participation) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Joan Ryan (TIG)

Government Services (Telecommunication Charges) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Chris Stephens (SNP)


Latest 8 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
18th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he plans to take to ensure domestic manufactured content is embedded in tidal stream projects.

The Government continues to engage with tidal stream industry on maintaining high levels of UK content in tidal stream projects.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of setting a one gigawatt deployment target for tidal stream energy for 2035.

The Government will continue to review the merits of setting a target for tidal stream deployment and will continue to engage with stakeholders on this.

Tidal stream is a home-grown industry of considerable promise, and the UK remains the world leader in tidal stream generation technologies, with over half of the world's deployment of this innovation situated in UK waters.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the minimum ringfence for Tidal Stream projects to £30 million for Allocation Round 6 of the upcoming Contracts for Difference auction.

The minimum budget for tidal stream was set in March at £10m.

The Secretary of State will confirm his decision on whether to increase the AR6 budget by 1st August, before the AR6 bidding window opens.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Oct 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate the Office for Budget Responsibility made of revenues for spirits excise duty in the 2024-25 financial year; and what those revenues are to date.

The Office for Budget Responsibility spirits alcohol duty receipts forecast can be found in table 3.9 of the ‘detailed forecast tables: receipts’ publication accompanying the Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2024: OBR Economic and Fiscal Outlook Detailed Forecast Table Receipts - OBR (obr.uk)

The year-to-date spirits duty receipts for April to August 2024 can be found in the statistics table accompanying HMRC’s ‘tax receipts and National Insurance contributions for the UK’ publication: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmrc-tax-and-nics-receipts-for-the-uk

The OBR will be publishing updated forecasts on 30 October 2024.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
24th Jul 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the impact of the increase in alcohol duty for spirits introduced in 2023 on the Scotch whisky industry.

On 1 August 2023, spirits duty rates were increased in line with inflation, after 6 years of consecutive freezes. Duty is currently frozen until 1 February 2025.

The Government is closely monitoring the impact of the recent reforms and rates that took effect on 1 August 2023.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to improve the accuracy of individual identification carried out by the technical infrastructure which performs border checks.

This Government’s priority is to maintain strong border security and steps are always taken to constantly improve the accuracy of individual identification before arrival and at the border.

Border Force checks all passengers arriving at the UK border on scheduled services to identify individuals who pose, or are suspected to pose, a risk to the national interest.

Identities, and combinations of names and dates of birth, are not necessarily unique. Individuals who share names with persons of interest may experience closer examination than those who do not, and Border Force Officers may ask them additional questions to establish their identity and allow them to proceed as quickly as possible.

Enhancements to the technical infrastructure for border checks are being rolled out to assist Border Force officers as they make their decisions.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the treatment that people with similar names to other individuals on watchlists receive during border checks at airports.

Our priority is to maintain a secure border. Border Force performs checks on all passengers arriving at the UK border on scheduled services to identify individuals who pose, or are suspected to pose, a risk to the national interest.


Identities, and combinations of names and dates of birth, are not necessarily unique. Individuals who share names with persons of interest may experience closer examination than would otherwise be the case.


The Home Office is making significant investment to improve the underlying technical infrastructure which performs border checks to identify individuals more precisely. This will reduce the number of individuals incorrectly matched to persons of interest and enable Border Force to identify more quickly individuals who are not to be confused with persons of interest. We expect these improvements to start having effect over the summer.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)
12th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the adequacy of the security provisions for energy and telecommunications infrastructure in the UK's exclusive economic zone.

The UK Government constantly monitors and regularly assesses the security of critical national infrastructure, including energy and telecommunications assets in the UK's Exclusive Economic Zone. This is a whole-of-Government effort involving multiple Departments, including the Ministry of Defence.

Luke Pollard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)