"UK FUEL COSTS ARE ENDANGERING SCOTTISH JOBS"
SNP European candidate, Drew Hendry, today (Thursday) demanded the UK
Government act to lower fuel prices by introducing a regional fuel
reduction for rural and remote areas.
Governments in Spain, Greece and France have introduced such reductions –
or derogations, in recent years while the UK Government has racked up fuel
tax to almost 70%.
Recent figures from the ONS show that across the UK, 12 000 hauliers are
struggling for work as the Treasury increases the cost of fuel. Jobs have
been lost across this vital sector. Introducing a fuel derogation would
help save haulage jobs and support rural communities.
Speaking at MacRitchie Highland Distribution in Inverness where he heard
the concerns of Highland hauliers, Mr Hendry said:
"The SNP is working to protect Scotland's jobs - not just for hauliers but
the manufacturers, food processors and farmers who rely on hauliers to
transport their goods around the country.
"Every penny on fuel duty is another penny onto haulage costs and out of
families’ pockets.
“Scottish road users will contribute some £166m to Treasury coffers over
the next year as a result of recent fuel tax hikes, to dig the UK
Government out of the quagmire it has found itself in.
"SNP politicians will continue to work from the Scottish to the European
Parliaments to deliver a cut in rural fuel duty and to see fairer fuel
taxation across the country.
“Working together with communities and the Scottish Government, SNP MEPs
will continue to fight for the best deal for Scottish motorists -
beginning with a call for a fuel derogation for rural road users.”
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