Highland MSP backs calls for fuel duty to be frozen

Highland MSP Edward Mountain is calling on the SNP to stand up for rural motorists and has condemned the government's lobbying for a hike in fuel duty on hard-pressed families.

He has stated that it would have an absolutely devastating impact on rural communities where there is a lack of public transport and would hamper the efforts to rebuild local communities after the pandemic.

Mr Mountain's comments come following reports that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to ditch any plans for a five pence rise in fuel duty in this week's budget.

Speaking on Friday, he said: “The freeze on fuel duty over the last decade has been hugely welcome for motorists right across the rural communities of the Highlands and Islands.

“If reports suggesting Rishi Sunak is set to extend it again are true then that is of huge relief. The UK Conservative government have helped save motorists in the Highlands and Islands over £1000 over the last decade.

“As we focus on rebuilding our economy and communities after the pandemic, it is vital that the freeze stays in place. The SNP’s campaign to hike taxes for motorists shows how out of touch they continue to be with our rural communities.

“Communities in the Highlands and Islands have extremely limited access to public transport and the freeze in fuel duty has been a lifeline. If Rishi Sunak confirms the freeze in next weeks budget, then I will be proud to back it.”

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