SNP RESPONSE TO UK BUDGET

SNP RESPONSE TO UK BUDGET

‘DARLING MISSES HIS LAST CHANCE TO DELIVER’

FAIR FUEL CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE

Commenting on the UK Budget, SNP MP and Treasury Spokesman Stewart Hosie MP said:

“With the General Election looming, this was Alistair Darling’s last chance to deliver for Scotland and he failed.

“While he tried to soften the blow by staggering the increase, the Chancellor is proceeding with a 3p increase in fuel duty between now and next year.

“Across Scotland, many hard pressed families are struggling to cope as fuel prices continue to soar – in some rural areas they are now in excess of £1.25 per litre. This 3p increase will be sorely felt by both hauliers and motorists.

“The SNP’s campaign against these rises will continue. Tonight, SNP activists will deliver 60 000 campaign cards across Scotland, reminding voters that only a vote for the SNP is a vote for fairer fuel prices. And at Westminster, SNP MPs will continue to push for the introduction of a fuel duty regulator which will prevent spikes such as the one we are experiencing.

“In these tough economic times, the Chancellor should have set out a Budget that supported jobs and recovery as we emerge from Labour’s recession. Instead, he has confirmed he will slash the Scotland’s budget and cut off accelerated capital spend dealing a cruel blow to the Scottish recovery.

“The Scottish Government is delivering a comprehensive Economic Recovery Plan to ensure the fragile positive signs we see across the country are sustained and result in a return to economic growth but Alistair Darling’s actions today jeopardise the Scottish Government’s ability to do this.

“With this Budget, the Labour Government have shown they would rather save face with the City than support Scotland’s communities. Only SNP MPs will champion investment in the Scottish recovery and fairer fuel prices for all.”