WESTERN ISLES FIRST TO VOLUNTEER FOR RURAL FUEL DEROGATION

WESTERN ISLES FIRST TO VOLUNTEER FOR RURAL FUEL DEROGATION

Today, SNP MP and Transport Spokesperson, Angus MacNeil, raised the value to the wider economy of a Rural Fuel Derogation in Island areas at this afternoon’s Treasury Questions.

Mr MacNeil made Na h-Eileanan an Iar the first place to put its enthusiasm on record in Parliament for involvement in an RFD pilot.

Commenting, Angus MacNeil said,

“High fuel prices continue to be the legacy Labour left our islands and people are justly concerned as to what the new government might do to make the issue fairer and more equitable.  Today, I took the opportunity to ask for a Rural Fuel Derogation for the Highlands and but particularly the islands of Scotland.

“The UK government agreed a few years ago that Rural Fuel Derogations could happen in other European countries but the then Labour government turned cartwheels to avoid implementation in Scotland.

“The sensible response by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, also noting the interest of the Western Isles in a Rural Fuel Derogation gives me hope that we may see action on rural fuel prices - moving towards a stage when Hebrideans are not paying more tax than anyone else in the UK on a litre of fuel.”