SNP MP Angus MacNeil has attacked the planned increase in fuel duty claiming it will hit constituents in the north of Scotland as well as Scottish businesses and motorists.
The rise will put another 1p on the cost of a litre of petrol and deisel and there are fears that it may hit the economic recovery.
SNP MP Angus MacNeil has attacked the planned increase in fuel duty claiming it will hit constituents in the north of Scotland as well as Scottish businesses and motorists.
The rise will put another 1p on the cost of a litre of petrol and deisel and there are fears that it may hit the economic recovery.
Speaking ahead of the fuel duty rise, SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson, Angus MacNeil MP, warned the Treasury over the impact of soaring fuel prices and called for action to bring them down ahead of the January VAT hike.
Mr MacNeil said:
“Just when we need action to bring down fuel prices, the Treasury is driving up duty and causing real pain for Scottish motorists and businesses. Instead of stopping Labour’s highway robbery, the Con/Dem coalition is pushing up the cost of living for Scottish households.
“There was no relief in the Budget, but the Treasury must act because soaring fuel prices are actually hindering economic recovery from recession. The October duty increase is bad enough, but will be compounded with the Tory and LibDems VAT increase in January.
“It’s a national scandal that, in an oil rich country like Scotland, we are paying the highest fuel prices in Europe.”
Mr MacNeil also 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.
“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.”