HUHNE SILENCE ON FOSSIL FUEL LEVY

For Immediate Release – Tuesday 21 September 2010


Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


MORE INTERESTED IN DELIVERING TORY CUTS THAN JOBS AND INVESTMENT


Commenting after Chris Huhne’s speech to the LibDem conference, the
SNP contrasted his party’s enthusiasm for delivering Tory cuts with
their failure to yet deliver on the release of the Fossil Fuel Levy,
which would support jobs and green investment, by the SNP.


SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson Mike Weir MP hit out at Mr Huhne’s
failure to make any mention of releasing the fund.


Mr Weir said:


“The Liberal Democrats seem more interested in delivering Tory cuts
than the investment and jobs that could be supported through release
of the Fossil Fuel Levy.


“With Scotland bearing the brunt of savage budget cuts by the
coalition, it is even more important that we get answers on the future
of the Fossil Fuel Levy. It was disappointing that Chris Huhne had
nothing to say about when Scotland would be allowed to finally access
to this vital fund.


“Boosting Scotland’s renewables sector represents a massive
opportunity to return to growth. By releasing the levy, the UK
Government could help to kick start the green energy revolution –
generating revenue and creating jobs in Scotland.


“Instead, we have the same old Tories, now helped by the Liberal
Democrats, cutting too far and too fast and leaving the poorest
households to bear the brunt of tax rises, benefit cuts and the loss
of public services and jobs.”


ENDS