Western Isles MP calls on Treasury Minister to “honour his word”

Angus MacNeil

Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil today (Tuesday) said the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury must “honour his word” over promises of help with soaring fuel costs in remote areas of the Highlands and islands.

Highlighting a catalogue of pledges made by Danny Alexander while in opposition, the SNP said the Treasury Minister must now deliver on his promise of much needed help for households and businesses.

“Rural communities”

Mr MacNeil said:

“As a Highland MP Danny Alexander was vocal about soaring fuel prices and frank in his criticism of the Treasury. Now that he is a Treasury Minister himself, will he honour his word and cut fuel costs for his constituents or will he continue Labour’s highway robbery.

“The coalition must live up to the word of both parties and take immediate action to bring down fuel prices.

“A fair fuel regulator is the only way to ensure that Scotland’s essential industries and our hard pressed families are not continually hit by rising prices.

“Prices in Scotland are well above the £1.21 highlighted by the AA.

In Stornoway today 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.

“Scotland’s remote and rural communities need instant action to bring down fuel costs and the Chief Secretary will be held to his word.”

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