Moray MP Angus Robertson has backed a House of Commons Motion calling for the introduction of a Fuel Futy Regulator.

The local MP also took the SNP’s campaign on fuel prices onto the streets at the weekend and says that the concern from the public on the issue is growing stronger by the day.

The SNP’s Mr Robertson said:

“ The swingeing increases in fuel prices are hitting families and businesses really hard. The SNP has long recognised the impact of high fuel prices on areas like Moray where driving a car is a necessity and not a luxury.

“ I have been out on the streets campaigning on this issue and the level of concern from constituents I spoke to was very high. High fuel prices affect almost every aspect of our lives as it impacts on the cost of goods and services across the board, the cost of public transport and the general cost of day-to-day activity.

“ All over Moray the cost of filling the tank is increasing by the week and with predictions of 8 pounds a gallon by May people are becoming more and more frustrated by the Tory and Lib Dem’s lack of action on the issue.

“ Not only does the Treasury take nearly 70% of the price of petrol in tax but they are also gaining billions in unexpected revenue directly from the oil companies as a result of the climbing price of crude oil. This situation is simply unfair, on the one hand the Government is taking huge tax revenues from the pumps and on the other it is still taking huge revenues from the North Sea.

Moray’s MSP Richard Lochhead said:

“ The SNP has repeatedly called for a Fuel Duty Regulator and the Tory-led UK Government has the power to introduce one. If they want to help families in the North & North East then a Fuel Duty Regulator would be a good start.

“ The SNP is doing what we can to keep costs down for families and businesses with a freeze in the council tax, reduced business rates, and free prescription charges, but the UK government are refusing to act.”