SNP URGE ACTION TO BRING DOWN FUEL COSTS

SNP URGE ACTION TO BRING DOWN FUEL COSTS

TREASURY DRIVES DIESEL PRICE TO HIGHEST IN EUROPE

SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson, Angus MacNeil MP, has made a
direct plea to new Treasury Minister Danny Alexander to act on fuel
prices.

Drivers in the UK now pay 11p more than anyone else in Europe for a
litre of diesel – as a result of the Treasury tax take. Official
figures on fuel prices across the continent show diesel now costs
122.8p a litre in Britain, 39.2p more than in Cyprus, where drivers
pay the least.

Crisis-hit Greece is the second-most-expensive place to buy fuel but,
despite the country’s economic meltdown, diesel still costs only
111.8p.

Mr MacNeil made a direct appeal to fellow Highland MP Danny Alexander,
now chief secretary to the Treasury, reminding the Liberal Democrat
Minister of his pre-election promises of action on fuel prices.

Mr MacNeil said:

“It’s a national scandal that, in an oil rich country like Scotland,
we are paying the highest fuel prices in Europe.

“There was no relief in the Budget, but the Treasury must act because
soaring fuel prices are actually hindering economic recovery from
recession.

“We need action on fuel prices immediately not more Treasury
consultations and delays. Other countries already operate derogations
successfully and there is absolutely no reason why the Treasury cannot
implement a similar system in Scotland as well.

“Before the election the LibDems were shouting from the rooftops about
fuel prices, but since taking office in the Treasury Danny Alexander
seems to have forgotten about the plight of motorists and businesses
in the North of Scotland. Danny Alexander must stand and deliver on
fair fuel prices and put an end to Labour’s highway robbery.”