Trump riots a reminder of risks to liberal democracy, says Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has reacted to the pro-Trump riots in Washington D.C. that took place against the certification of the US presidential election.

Mr Carmichael says it was a reminder of the risks of eroding liberal democratic values, as he called on the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to support calls for a peaceful transition of power in the United States.

Mr Carmichael said: “What has happened in the United States this week is a reminder of the risks we all face when the norms of liberal democracy are eroded.

“Checks and balances, limitations on executive power, the rule of law – the importance of our values has been reinforced by these dangerous acts.

“If this were happening in Africa or South America our Prime Minister would be calling out those responsible.

“Friendship sometimes requires hard truths and as a close ally of the United States we must do the same here to support the peaceful transition of power.

“It is not enough to criticise the mobs on the streets while ignoring the role of the President in putting them there.”

On Wednesday, December 6, the US Senate met to officially certify the events of the 2020 US election, which saw Joe Biden and Kamala Harris become the President-Elect and Vice-President-Elect respectively.

What should have been a formality was anything but, as during the certification a pro-Trump mob broke into the Capitol building, forcing senators and staff to be evacuated and the national guard deployed to suppress the riots.

It was later confirmed that four people had been killed and over 50 arrested.