SNP aims to force scrapping of fuel tax increase

THE SNP will this week try to force the UK coalition to scrap a 3p rise in fuel duty.

The party aims to force a vote on the planned August rise as the UK Budget passes its final stage in Westminster.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has backed cross-party action to scrap the hike.

Chief Executive Liz Cameron said it would be “a welcome boost for businesses which are having to contend with high transportation and utility costs at a time when domestic demand remains subdued”.

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

More than 50 MPs from nine parties have already pledged to back the SNP-drafted Budget clause on the Fairfuel website.

SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie, who has been co-ordinating the cross-party campaign in Westminster, said: “At a time when the economy is stalling, and we already have the highest fuel tax rates in Europe, it would be economic madness for the Treasury to press ahead with this further rise.

“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.

“The SNP-drafted clause to scrap the 3p fuel hike is a clear and effective way for the Treasury to take action now,” Mr Hosie added.

“The momentum is growing as the campaign gets set to return to the chamber.”