29/04/2009

LIB/DEM HYPOCRISY AS PARTY VOTES TO INCREASE FUEL TAX

Borders Liberal Democrats have been challenged to explain why their party backed the Labour Government in London and voted to increase fuel duty. The move has sparked accusations of hypocrisy from SNP MSP Christine Grahame ahead of a Lib/Dem debate at the Scottish Parliament which will examine the damaging impact the higher fuel duty will have on rural areas like the Scottish Borders. Ms Grahame said:

“Pushing up fuel prices is absolutely the wrong thing to do in the grip of recession and this increase will actually hinder economic recovery.

“Just when the economy should be stimulated we have the Lib/Dems voting for an increase which will hit already hard-pressed households and businesses, in particular the haulage industry.

“Increases in fuel duty are not a green tax, they are a Brown one, and Borderers have had their fill of fuel duty increases.

“The SNP has long campaigned for fair and reasonable fuel duties, especially in rural areas like the Borders.

“That is why SNP MPs have put forward amendments for a fuel duty regulator to halt the volatility that arises from fuel prices. That is why SNP MPs have supported and led the calls for fuel derogations for rural areas.

“It therefore comes as a surprise that the majority of Lib/Dem MPs have supported Labour’s planned increase in fuel duty.

“This is another example of how the Lib/Dems think they can treat the voters like fools by making false promises in the north of Scotland whilst voting to increase fuel tax south of the border.”

SNP It’s time.....