Tag Archive for Fair Fuel

HOSIE HAILS CHANCELLOR’S FUEL DUTY U-TURN

June 26, 2012 Stewart Hosie MP, Uncategorized No comments

The SNP welcomed confirmation from the Chancellor this afternoon that the planned August 3 pence rise in fuel duty has been cancelled. The latest Treasury U-turn comes on the day that an SNP- drafted clause – supported by 54 MP’s from across nine parties – was to be formally tabled at Westminster.

SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP, who was leading the campaign at Westminster, said:

“This is a great result, not just for our cross-party campaign with FairFuel to scrap the August increase, but for households and businesses up and down the country.

“I am delighted that the SNP was at the forefront of this campaign and the Chancellor’s cave-in comes on the day that our Budget clause, supported by 54 MP’s from across nine parties, was due to be tabled ahead of the Finance debates next week.

“The SNP led campaign was gaining momentum every day, with hauliers, business leaders and householders all uniting against a further 3p hike. I am very pleased that Chancellor has listened but this is not the end of the battle – we now need to make the chancellor see sense and deliver investment in the shovel ready projects that we need to get the economy growing – that must now be top priority.”

SNP CALLS ON LABOUR FRONTBENCH TO SUPPORT CROSS PARTY FUEL CAMPAIGN

June 26, 2012 Stewart Hosie MP No comments

The SNP has welcomed support from the Labour front bench for the three pence fuel duty hike to be scrapped.

The decision from the Labour shadow cabinet to oppose the rise was signalled by Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls today (Tuesday) on the day the SNP drafted clause to scrap the August hike is expected to be tabled at Westminster.

The SNP has been leading the cross-party campaign within Westminster, backed by fairfuel UK, for the three pence hike to be scrapped.  Already 54 MPs from across nine parties – including 22 Labour backbenchers – have pledged to support the SNP drafted clause and vote against the August 3 pence rise.

SNP Treasury Spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP said:

“I am delighted the Labour frontbench have decided to back calls for the 3p rise to be scrapped. People across the UK are fed up being hammered with the highest fuel tax rates in Europe.

“The good news is Labour don’t need to do any last-minute drafting work to amend the budget – there is a clause already prepared and good to go, with massive cross-party support from across the chamber.  Rather than re-inventing the wheel, Ed Balls and the Labour Shadow cabinet can join the twenty two Labour backbenchers who have already signed up to the cross-party campaign.

“While oil prices vary, it is within the Treasury’s hands to take direct action on fuel prices. We already have the highest fuel tax rate in Europe, which has reached a staggering 60.6 per cent of the price of petrol. At a time of stagnating growth, the Treasury must call a halt to any further increase.

“It’s time to put aside party politics on this important issue and stand together to halt the 3p rise.”

HOSIE: TIME TO STOP STALLING AND U-TURN ON FUEL

June 20, 2012 Stewart Hosie MP No comments

Speaking during Scottish Questions at Westminster today (Wednesday), SNP Treasury Spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP called for the 3 pence fuel hike to be the next U-Turn on the UK Government’s list.

 

Mr Hosie raised the issue as reports emerged that the Tory-Lib Dem coalition were split on the fuel hike, with the Prime Minister David Cameron reportedly the latest to put pressure on the Treasury to ditch the 3 pence rise.

 

Mr Hosie said scrapping the tax would help create the right environment for jobs, with fuel prices one of the most significant cost pressures faced by businesses. In a recent survey more than a third of members of the Forum of Private Business cited transport costs, primarily the cost of fuel, as their main business pressure. When asked what would help improve the business climate in the UK, the main priority for business owners was reducing the cost of fuel duty.

 

Pressure is growing on the UK Government for a U-Turn as fifty MPs from across nine parties have now pledged their support for an SNP drafted clause to scrap the rise. The clause is expected to be tabled when the Budget completes committee stage early next week.

 

The cross-party campaign is also backed by Fairfuel UK, which has over 300,000 supporters across the UK and is organised by Peter Carroll, the man behind the successful Gurkha Justice campaign fronted by Joanna Lumley.

 

Mr Hosie said:

 

“There was no clear answer from Scotland Secretary Michael Moore on fuel today – but the pressure continues to build with reports that even David Cameron seems to have joined the calls for a U-turn on this damaging hike.

 

“Everyone from Pensioners Campaign UK to the bosses of Asda and Sainsbury’s are united in their calls for the three pence rise to be scrapped – it seems the only ones who are split are the coalition.

 

“The impact of high fuel prices cuts right across the economy, hammering businesses as well as households. The UK Government should listen to the warnings from Phil Orford, the Chief Executive of the Forum of Private Business who said: “There is a serious risk that economic recovery in the UK is strangled at birth if the Government doesn’t act, and act fast.”

 

“The fact that fifty MPs have now signed up to the ditch the 3 pence fuel duty hike is extremely encouraging. This cross party support reflects the cross-country strength of feeling on fuel prices.

 

“Politicians are throwing aside party differences to get behind the campaign and convince the Treasury to change its mind on this damaging hike and I hope the Treasury is paying attention.

 

“The SNP drafted clause to scrap the 3 pence fuel hike is a clear and effective way for the Treasury to take action now. In a fairfuel poll of nearly 30,000 people and 3,700 businesses, 85% said the fuel duty rise was the most important tax cut to boost economic growth.

 

“Scrapping the clause will ease the burden on households and businesses across the country and, crucially, it will help get the economy moving again.

 

“The campaign is growing fast both inside and outside the parliament for the 3pence rise to be scrapped. With the UK Government already used to performing U-Turns, it’s time to stop stalling and do another U-Turn on fuel.

AS TREASURY U-TURNS CONTINUE – SNP CALL FOR THREE-POINT-TURN ON FUEL

May 30, 2012 Stewart Hosie MP No comments

Following Budget u-turns on the so-called ‘pasty tax’ and caravans, and amid reports that the Treasury is also set to abandon charity tax proposals, the SNP has called for a further three-point-turn by the Chancellor on the planned August 3p fuel duty hike.

SNP Westminster Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP pointed out that, like the cross-party calls which led to the Chancellor’s rethink on pasties and caravans, there was also widespread support for action on soaring fuel prices.

A total of thirty eight MPs from nine political parties and one independent, have already agreed to support a clause, drafted by the SNP and supported by Fairfuel UK, which will amend the Budget and cancel the autumn rise in fuel duty. The clause will be tabled at the earliest opportunity, when the Finance Bill has completed committee stage, expected in late June.

Mr Hosie said:

“After u-turning on pasties and caravans, the Chancellor must listen to the growing calls, inside and outside parliament, for a Treasury three-point-turn on the fuel duty hike planned for August.

“If the Con-Dems are showing their sensitive side, then they have no excuse to ignore one of the most pressing issues which is missing from this flawed budget – the high cost of fuel.  Hundreds of thousands of people across the country have signed up to support the fairfuel campaign against further hikes.

 

“Even politicians are throwing aside party differences and uniting on this crucial issue. The list of cross-party MPs who support the SNP-led action to scrap the 3 pence rise in duty planned for August continues to grow. There are now thirty eight MPs signed up, from across the chamber and across the UK.

 

“High fuel prices are choking back economic growth – a report for fairfuelUK by the Centre for Economics and Business Research suggested a 2.5 pence reduction in fuel duty would create 175,000 jobs within a year.

 

“If the Treasury are prepared to u-turn on other ill-thought out policies then they should also do a swift rethink on the 3p rise in fuel duty.
“Over the next few weeks we will be working with Fairfuel UK to build even more support, inside and outside parliament, for the clause, and force the Treasury to rethink the planned autumn rise.

 

“The lack of action on fuel prices was one of the biggest issues missing in the Chancellor’s budget. High costs of fuel aren’t just hurting the pockets of hard-pressed householders across the UK– they are hammering businesses and hampering economic recovery.

 

“We already have the highest rates of taxes on petrol and diesel in Europe – it’s time to end this highway robbery and call a halt to further rises which will hamper economic recovery.”

SNP Lead Cross-Party Campaign To Scrap August 3p Fuel Hike

May 28, 2012 Stewart Hosie MP No comments

The SNP are working with Fairfuel UK to lead a cross-party campaign calling on the UK Government to scrap the 3 pence rise in fuel duty planned for August.

 

A total of twenty eight MPs from nine political parties and one independent, have already agreed to support a proposed clause, drafted by the SNP, which will amend the Budget and cancel the autumn rise in fuel duty. The clause will be tabled at the earliest opportunity, when the Finance Bill has completed committee stage, expected in late June.

 

The SNP’s Treasury Spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP, who is leading the campaign in parliament, said:

 

“The level of cross-party support for this clause is astonishing – and reflects the mood across the country that fuel prices must be brought under control.

 

“The momentum for action is growing with 28 MPs, from across nine parties, and one independent, already signed up. This is an almost unprecedented level of cross party unity on this crucial issue.

 

“Over the next few weeks we will be working with Fairfuel UK to build even more support, inside and outside parliament, for the clause, and force the Treasury to rethink the planned autumn rise.

 

“The lack of action on fuel prices was one of the biggest issues missing in the Chancellor’s budget. High costs of fuel aren’t just hurting the pockets of hard-pressed householders across the UK– they are hammering businesses and hampering economic recovery.
“In the long term a fuel duty regulator would help protect from volatile fuel prices – but in the short term we can take immediate action by scrapping the further 3 pence rise.

 

“We already have the highest rates of taxes on petrol and diesel in Europe – it’s time to end this highway robbery and call a halt to further rises which will hamper economic recovery.”

 

Quentin Willson, National Spokesperson for FairFuelUK said:

 

“Now’s the time to show that Parliament really can join together and stand up for the greater good. The cost of fuel is one of this country’s most pressing social issues. We’re calling on all MPs to show the hard-working people and businesses of Britain that they understand and care about this vital issue.”

 

Peter Carroll, National Organiser of FairFuel UK, added:

 

“The recent news that the UK economy contracted more sharply than originally estimated makes the need for measures to stimulate growth even more urgent.  Adding 3p per litre when the economy is on its knees, families are struggling to survive week by week and UK businesses are struggling borders on economic madness.

 

“Poll after poll shows that Fuel Duty is the number 1 priority for voters.  We have shared research with the Government that clearly shows they can cut Fuel Duty and not harm Treasury revenues.  A cut of just 2.5p per litre would boost growth by a much needed 0.33%, create 175,000 jobs and crucially not harm Treasury revenues – the tax take on the stimulated economic growth compensates for the loss of Fuel Duty.”

SNP Call For Action on Fair Fuel

April 9, 2012 Council Group, Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Stewart Hosie MP No comments

Dundee City Council Leader Ken Guild and many SNP Councillors and Candidates for the Council Elections were joined by MP Stewart Hosie and MSP Joe FitzPatrick yesterday [Saturday 7th April] in the city centre collecting signatures from the public supporting action on ‘fair fuel’.   

Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said: “This is a key issue for the SNP and clearly we have the support of the public. Today we collected hundreds of signatures and were overwhelmed with the public response. Rising fuel prices affects everyone and puts up the cost of living across society.

“The public is crying out for action and the Treasury must listen. There is no excuse for raking in this vast amount of additional duty without making any attempt to introduce a fairer and more stable system of duty regulation to prevent price spikes at the pumps for the motorist, the haulage industry and households. ”  

Dundee East and SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie said: “We have been calling for a fuel duty regulator for years so that we can stabilise the prices at the pumps and regulate the amount of tax which the Treasury rakes in.

“Petrol prices at the pumps are now over 140p per litre with diesel over 146p. It is a scandal that in oil-rich Scotland we are paying some of the highest fuel prices in Europe and most of the price is comprised of duty paid to the UK Treasury.

“It is nothing short of highway robbery. Both the Tories and Lib Dems promised action before the election and have failed to deliver.

“If Westminster will not act, the powers must be transferred to Scotland so that we can take action. In the meantime we will introduce an Amendment to the UK Budget Bill calling for the Chancellor to make good his promises and bring in a fuel duty regulator.”

SNP Fair Fuel Protest in Dundee

March 18, 2011 Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Shona Robison MSP, Stewart Hosie MP No comments

L-R: Shona Robison, John Swinney, Joe FitzPatrick, Stewart Hosie, Sebastian Nonis

SNP Finance Secretary John Swinney and SNP politicians in Dundee were at the Forfar Road Service Station in Dundee today today demanding that David Cameron scrap the fuel duty rise and introduce a fair fuel stabiliser in next week’s budget.

Mr Swinney was joined by Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick, Dundee East MSP and Minister for Public Health Shona Robison, and the SNP’s shadow Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP at the Jet Garage owned by Sebastian Nonis.

The monthly AA fuel price survey shows the average petrol and diesel prices have risen by up to five pence a litre in the past month with Diesel prices in Shetland today on the verge of hitting £1.50 per litre.

Increased revenue from rising fuel prices is set to make the Treasury an additional £4 billion or £3000 for every man, woman and child in Scotland. Using half the additional windfall revenues from oil prices to cut fuel tax would reduce fuel in Scotland by 50p per litre or across the whole of the UK by 5p per litre

Speaking at the garage, John Swinney said: “Scotland now has the highest diesel prices in the European Union.  

“It is a cruel irony that some of the highest prices are in Shetland at a petrol station by one of Europe’s major oil terminals. 

“David Cameron must hear the voice of thousands of Scots who can no longer afford the rising prices and higher taxes that are lining the Treasury coffers.

“The rising cost of fuel is harming our economy but making an extra £4 billion for the treasury. Putting just half of that £4 billion toward reducing fuel costs could cut 50p off a litre of fuel in Scotland or 5p across the whole of the UK.

“When it comes to fuel prices Labour has let Scotland down and the Tories have turned their backs. Labour’s refusal to back the SNP’s calls for fair fuel prices have allowed fuel prices to rise so high it costs £1000 more this month to fill up a lorry than it did last month – costs that will end up with the consumers.  

“When the SNP called for the whole Parliament to back not just lower fuel prices but fair fuel prices Labour let motorists and businesses down by abstaining on the vote. 

“I am now calling on David Cameron to tell the Conservative conference today not only that he will freeze duty but that he will introduce fair fuel prices in this week’s budget and Scotland’s motorists will no longer be used as a cash cow for the UK Government.”

Accompanying Mr Swinney was the MSP for Dundee West, Joe FitzPatrick who is also a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee. He said: “Today’s AA report showing the average UK petrol and diesel prices have risen by up to five pence a litre in the past month just underline how this issue is building up to be a major issue on the coming Scottish elections.

“The SNP is the only party to consistently back a fuel duty stabiliser and fair fuel prices. The Tories have not introduced one and Labour will not vote for one.”

Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie, a member of the Finance Committe at Westminster said: “David Cameron must confirm today that the fuel duty increase will not just be postponed but fuel duty will be cut and a stabiliser introduced.

 “We cannot have a situation where the cost of taking goods to market has increased by £1000 in a month, a cost that most businesses will have to pass on to the customer.

 “Rising prices and rising taxes are hitting business, motorists and family budgets. The cost of fuel hits our public services, our buses and all our budgets – yet the Treasury is making the equivalent of £3000 for every man, woman and child in Scotland.”

 The SNP MSP for Dundee East, Shona Robison, Scotland’s Public Health Minister commented: “When the Tory Government is cutting spending and raising taxes spending more money on fuel risks breaking Scotland’s economic recovery.”
“We must send that message loud and clear to the Tories in London ahead of next week’s budget and motorists can sign the SNP’s fair fuel petition and submit their local prices at the SNP website so we can take that case to Westminster. 

“The SNP and people across Scotland are very clear. The Tories must cut fuel duty and cut it now.”

MSPs Take Fight For Fairer Fuel to Holyrood

January 28, 2011 Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Shona Robison MSP No comments

The Courier front page, 28 January - SNP MSPs Joe FitzPatrick, Shona Robison and Tricia Marwich with The Courier's petition

SNP MSPs Joe FitzPatrick and Shona Robison today [28 Jan] raised the fight for fair fuel in the debating chamber at Holyrood – and First Minister Alex Salmond was the first signature amongst 27 MSPs who backed the call for a fuel duty regulator to restore balance to petrol prices.  The entire Scottish Cabinet signed the petition launched by The Courier.

Joe FitzPatrick said: “This campaign is proving very popular as the public can see the fairness of our call. I am very surprised that Iain Gray, Labour Leader has failed to support the call for fuel duty regulator which will offer some relief to hard-pressed families and businesses.

Shona Robison said: “This campaign has huge popular support. Fair fuel is a real issue for every household budget and every single business in Dundee and across Scotland.  The UK Government must keep to their pre-election pledges of doing something about soaring fuel prices at the pumps. We will continue to campaign until they take action.”

Growth Figures Confirm Need for Fuel Relief

January 25, 2011 Stewart Hosie MP No comments

SNP MP and Treasury Spokesman Stewart Hosie today (Tuesday) called on the UK Government to take positive action on fuel to relieve pressure on businesses as the latest UK GDP figures showed a fall of 0.5% in the last quarter. Mr Hosie also warned that now was not the time to hike interest rates, placing additional burdens on business.

Commenting, Mr Hosie said: “These figures are disappointing and I hope the ONS are right that the downturn at the end of the year relates to the bad weather. “

Nonetheless, the UK Government simply cannot dismiss these as a bump in the road to recovery. George Osborne must focus on growing the economy.

“He must rule out any rise in the interest rate immediately. Businesses are already struggling with cash flow and this would only make matters more difficult.

“And now is the time to take action on spiralling fuel costs. The UK Government must reverse their plan to hike fuel duty in April and take long term action to stablise the price by introducing a fuel duty regulator.”

 

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