Time for Labour to take a stand on fuel prices â€' says Morgan

Time for Labour to take a stand on fuel prices â€' says Morgan

SNP MSP for the South of Scotland Alasdair Morgan today (Monday) called on local Labour politicians to state their position on Scotland's current oil crisis and the importance of establishing an oil fund to put aside a portion of current oil revenue for investment in Scotland's future.

Mr Morgan's call comes after Labour in the Scottish Parliament failed to set out their position on rising fuel prices, the damage being done to Scottish business and industry and the First Minister's call for a share of the current windfall to be invested for Scotland's future.

Mr Morgan said:

“Labour politicians are failing this region if they fail to make their views on this important matter clear. Warm words and sympathy won’t wash: courage and commitment are what’s wanted.

“Across Scotland businesses, public services and individuals are being hit by the rising cost of fuel. Will Russell Brown back the SNP's proposal for a fuel duty regulator to reduce the impact of these dramatic price rises on Scotland and the rest of the UK and will Elaine Murray support the First Minister's call for 10% of the current oil windfall to start an oil fund for Scotland's future and to insure our vital public services against rising prices?

“With accountants Grant Thornton reporting a windfall to the Treasury of £1.1 billion since May and Government figures showing the Treasury will make an additional £4-5 billion in oil revenues, surely now is the time for Scotland to put some of those resources aside to invest in our future.

“The silence from Labour in Scotland is deafening. If Scottish Labour really wants to stand up for people in Scotland they should be lobbying their UK colleagues for a change in the system and a share of the windfall.

“Across Scotland vital public services, farmers, fishermen, hauliers and manufacturers are all seeing the price of fuel go through the roof and the knock on effect has seen food prices shoot up for hard working families. Businesses are becoming unsustainable, Councils are having to divert funding and yet Labour refuse to see any problem.

“Russell Brown and Elaine Murray represent a region with one of the lowest average wages in Scotland, which relies almost exclusively on road transport for every commercial activity. They cannot continue to sit on their hands and do nothing as fuel bills, heating oil bills and food prices all continue to rise, inflicting real hardship on working people across the region. Dumfries & Galloway needs to know where they stand.”