MP Carmichael meets PM to discuss coronavirus concerns
Ryan NicolsonMP for Orkney and Shetland Alistair Carmichael has met Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss concerns over the government’s approach to the coronavirus crisis.
Mr Carmichael was part of a group of senior opposition MP’s who met with Mr Johnson at 10 Downing Street this afternoon (Friday).
He said after the meeting that he was “glad” that the prime minister was engaging with “all parties” to discuss his government’s emergency coronavirus bill.
Mr Carmichael said that he had raised specific concerns about small businesses.
“I raised with the prime minister the issue of small businesses, the self-employed and community organisations, which will be some of the hardest hit by the economic impact of the virus.
“That the prime minister is aware of these concerns is welcome. If he is to maintain the political consensus that we have seen thus far, he must take swift action to support these groups.”
The Liberal Democrats will “continue to hold the government to account on their handling of the virus”, Mr Carmichael said.
Peter Hamilton
Hold on, did our MP just say he will continue to hold the government to account”? Emergency powers for 2 years? Hello?
Liberalism is something Lib Dems representatives give up on too easily.
Arise Sir Alistair Carmichael, Order of the Brown Nose.
Alastair Ball
I think that Mr Carmichael needs to understand that we the people will hold him to account as well as all the elected members of the SIC.
So far the councils’ response to the economic crisis has been underwhelming or maybe they are practising social distancing.
Ian Tinkler
Shetland folk are better than this, and there is something is disgusting about using the human tragedy to score political points..
Ian Tinkler
Just to dispel any doubt whatsoever, I commend Alister Carmichael and Nicola Sturgeon for their non-confrotational approach in the fight against covid 19. As always, when facing a threat, good people unite and fight.
Sadly one can not say that about all folk. The social media certainly lets us know who they are.
Peter Hamilton
Happily the Government gave way to pressure and have allowed for 6 monthly reviews of the heafty emergency powers legislation. This includes allowing councils to withdraw from their social care obligations to the elderly and vulnerable adults in social care in very troubling ways currently being considered on the House of Lords. Pressure has and is being applied from opposition parties and by some Tories too, but now is not a time to relax on our concern that government looks to the needs of those who cannot look out for themselves.
A government and ruling elite that deepened and lengthened the crisis by attempting to allow business as normal needs to be subject to close scrutiny and deserves skepticism too.