OCTOBER FUEL DUTY HIKE BRANDED HIGHWAY ROBBERY

Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


Speaking ahead of the fuel duty rise tomorrow (Friday) which puts
another 1p on the cost of a litre of petrol and diesel, SNP
Westminster Transport spokesperson, Angus MacNeil MP, warned the
Treasury over the impact soaring fuel prices on economic recovery and
called for action to bring down fuel prices 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.”