Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Alistair Carmichael MP: Lib Dems Only Progressive Alternative to Labour

March 10, 2010 6:47 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Speaking in Perth at his party's spring conference last weekend, Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael told delegates that only the Liberal Democrats offer a genuine progressive alternative to Labour in Scotland.

Mr Carmichael is Scottish Affairs Spokesman for the Liberal Democrats at Westminster. During the election campaign he will be participating in a series of televised debates with the Secretary of State for Scotland and representatives of the other major parties.

During his speech, Mr Carmichael said:

'After 13 years of Labour letting Scotland down - betraying the radical and progressive values of fairness, freedom and democracy which used to be part of their heritage - Scotland is ready for a change.

'You may have noticed recently Jim Murphy, the Secretary of State for Scotland, making a speech about Labour being the party of faith. He probably settled on faith because they have given up hope and were never any good at charity.

'And what has this party of faith done thirteen years of government? They sent British troops to die in an illegal war in Iraq. They have signed up to the renewal of Trident nuclear submarines. They have locked up the children of asylum seekers in Dungavel - all for the sake of administrative convenience. No thought for the best interests of the child.

'This government of "faith" is still determined to send a man suffering from Asperger's Syndrome to face trial and imprisonment in the United States of America. If ever you are challenged on a doorstep to produce evidence of New Labour's betrayal of its core values and its failure as a government then you can answer that challenge with two words - Gary MacKinnon.

'If it is the first duty of governments to protect their own citizens then this government has failed in its duty to Gary MacKinnon in a truly shameful manner.

'At this election, the Tories will not challenge Labour in Scotland. The SNP will not challenge Labour at Westminster. Only the Liberal Democrats will do both.'

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2010/451913/alistair-carmichael-mp-lib-dems-only-progressive-alternative-to-labour
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk/a3mBr

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you agree, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image