Western Isles MP makes fuel action call

Welcoming the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on a visit to the Western Isles today (Thursday) SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Angus MacNeil, highlighted soaring fuel prices and called on the Lib/Dem Minister, a fellow Highland MP, to introduce an Islands’ Rural Fuel Derogation before the January VAT hike.

Mr MacNeil, SNP spokesperson on Transport at Westminster, pointed to fuel prices in his constituency this morning as underlining the urgent need for action:

- Barra: Unleaded 133.9p / Diesel 134.9p

- Uist: Unleaded 133p / Diesel 134p

- Harris: Unleaded 130.9p / Diesel 132.9p

- Stornoway: Unleaded 126.9p / Diesel 127.9p

“Rural communities need instant action”

Mr MacNeil said:

“As well as taking in the scenery, Danny Alexander must see for himself the soaring cost of fuel across the isles. The need for a derogation to bring down fuel prices is urgent, and we must certainly have action before the coalitions VAT hike in January.

“Road users in the Islands are probably paying more tax per litre than anywhere else in Europe, and the VAT hike planned by the Tories and the LibDems will make rural fuel even more expensive so action must be taken without delay.

“As a Highland MP Danny Alexander was, in opposition, 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 end Labour’s highway robbery.

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

“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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