SNP CALL FOR FAIR FUEL PRICES IN EMERGENCY BUDGET

SNP CALL FOR FAIR FUEL PRICES IN EMERGENCY BUDGET

Commenting on confirmation that the UK coalition government will set out an emergency budget on 22 June, the SNP called on the new administration to introduce a fair fuel regulator and cuts in fuel duty for rural areas.

The SNP has raised concerns that the vital issue of fuel prices was missing from the coalition agreement between the Tories and Lib Dems.

SNP Transport spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP said:

“The Con/Dem coalition must use the emergency budget to bring down fuel prices and ensure that Scotland’s essential industries and hard pressed households are not hit again by rising prices.

“Prices in Scotland are well above the £1.21 highlighted by the AA. In Stornoway unleaded fuel is £1.28 and diesel is over £1.30, in Inverness – home to the Scottish Secretary it’s £1.25. This has a crippling effect on family budgets and on all our industries.

“Labour repeatedly used Scotland's motorists as a cash cow. It is time drivers were given a break. People in Scotland will be deeply concerned that fair fuel prices are not a feature of the coalition agreement - despite claims by both parties to support this measure.

“Action on fuel prices in the emergency budget is a key test of the new Government, and in particular for the Scotland Secretary Danny Alexander. For years Danny Alexander has promised anything to anyone and delivered nothing. This is the real test for the Lib Dems and their deal with the Tories.

“The June Budget must include a fuel duty cut for our remote communities and a fair fuel deal for all of Scotland’s motorists.”