Dave Thompson MSP

Commenting before tomorrow’s 2p increase in fuel duty increase Highland & Islands MSP Dave Thompson said the LibDems had blundered into the debate by attacking the Scottish Government over the rise when a majority of their MPs had voted to support the Labour government’s increase.

Commenting Mr Thompson said: "This is a massive blunder by Alison McInnes and just exposes how in hock to Labour the LibDems have become. They supported them in the previous Executive and now choose to attack the Scottish Government for Labour’s fuel tax increase. You couldn’t make it up.

"Their hypocrisy on this issue reflects their hypocrisy on roads. The fact is that a majority of their MPs voted to INCREASE fuel duty in April. Perhaps Ms McInnes should answer why she has not lobbed her own colleagues to stop this increase?

"The SNP has long campaigned for fair and reasonable fuel duties – particularly in our rural areas.

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

"In contrast the majority of LibDem MPs have supported Labour’s planned increase in fuel duty. They cannot even escape with the excuse that it is their colleagues south of the border as three of their Scottish MPs – including former leader Menzies Campbell – voted for this increase.

"This is another example of how the LibDems 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."

Note:

Last April’s vote on the fuel duty increase – showing a majority of LibDem MPs voting for an increase, can be read here.