Election / Carmichael ‘proud’ to back Lib Dem manifesto
Meanwhile the Conservatives have also announced their manifesto
THE LIBERAL Democrat candidate for Orkney and Shetland in the upcoming general election has welcomed the launch of the party’s election manifesto, which includes proposals for the UK to join the European single market, to reform the political system and boost green growth.
Alistair Carmichael said he was “enormously proud” to back the manifesto.
It also includes policies to fund greater home insulation, to double the warm homes discount and protect the triple lock for pensions, as well as taking up the offer of a youth mobility scheme for people under 35 to live and work in the EU.
Carmichael said in his view the manifesto was one with “bold ideas which will help families up and down the country and unlock our economic growth”.
“We have serious plans to boost green energy and jobs, as well as increasing home insulation and doubling the Warm Home Discount which will have a direct benefit to people in the isles,” the candidate added.
“We are also helping struggling families by scrapping the two-child limit, and re-committing to the triple lock to protect pensions, which we pioneered in government.
“I am particularly pleased that we are the only major party with a credible plan to rebuild our relationship with our European allies.
“Rejoining the European Single Market is a practical, pragmatic step which will be a huge boost to businesses across the UK and indeed exporting businesses right here in the isles – as well as potentially lowering food price inflation by making trade with the EU easier.”
Carmichael is one of six candidates standing for Orkney and Shetland.
But given that he has been MP for the constituency since 2001 and the Lib Dems have represented the region since 1950, the party stands to be the favourite in July’s election.
Meanwhile the Conservatives have announced their manifesto this morning (Tuesday).
Among the actions include another reduction in employee national insurance, cutting taxes to “support the self employed”, increase NHS spending above inflation and introducing the controversial mandatory national service for school leavers at 18, with the choice between a military or civic service placement.
The party’s tag line is “clear plan, bold action, secure future”.
The party will be represented by Shane Painter in the Orkney and Shetland region.
There are six candidates standing in the Orkney and Shetland constituency in the 4 July general election.
They are, in alphabetical order: Alex Armitage (Scottish Greens), Alistair Carmichael (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Robert Leslie (SNP), Shane Painter (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), Conor Savage (Scottish Labour), Robert Smith (Reform UK).
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