Alistair Carmichael

The UK government is urged to restrict Brazilian beef imports before the European Union’s planned ban takes effect on 3 September. The column argues that an influx of Brazilian beef could undercut Scottish livestock producers during a critical selling period, while also raising concerns about Amazon deforestation and antibiotic overuse. UK farmers have substantially reduced antibiotic use, and the author contends that imported meat should meet equivalent standards. Without urgent action, domestic beef prices could fall and the UK could become a destination for supplies rejected by other major markets.

An exceptionally hot and dry UK summer could reduce barley, oats and rapeseed production to 19.5 million tonnes, the lowest level since records began, costing farmers up to £390 million and increasing reliance on imports. Alistair Carmichael argues that climate change and instability in international trade make dependence on overseas food supplies increasingly risky. He calls on governments to define a stronger role for UK farmers and producers in protecting long-term food security while working with international partners to limit global warming.

Alistair Carmichael argues that Scotland’s forthcoming licensing regime for muirburn will restrict a useful wildfire-prevention tool just as fires are becoming more frequent and severe. He says farmers, crofters, gamekeepers and other rural land managers are often the first responders to wildfires and should be listened to rather than marginalized. While supporting peatland restoration, re-wetting and environmental recovery, he contends that these measures must be combined with grazing management and controlled cool burning to reduce fuel loads and protect rural communities.

Reports from coastguard officers describe a bullying and controlling culture within the Maritime Coastguard Agency, raising concerns about safety in coastal communities. Planned changes to volunteer compensation are portrayed as symptoms of deeper systemic problems. Alistair Carmichael highlights long-standing community commitment to rescue work and calls for a new shipping minister to overhaul Coastguard leadership to restore safety and trust.