Stevenson To Mark 400th Debate With Call For Fairer Fuel Prices

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson will take part in his 400th Scottish Parliament debate since becoming an MSP tomorrow (Wednesday) and will use the milestone debate to call for the introduction of a fuel duty regulator and a rural fuel derogation to get control of spiralling fuel prices.

Despite the presence of North Sea oil off Scotland’s coast, the UK has some of the highest fuel prices in Europe with the problem particularly bad in rural areas such as Banff & Buchan.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I am immensely proud to have reached the personal milestone of my 400th debate in the Scottish Parliament and I am delighted to be able to mark it by discussing an issue that is concerning so many people in Banff & Buchan.

“The price of fuel is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses and motorists in rural areas where there is simply no alternative to using the car. Fuel prices have been rising out of control in recent years and it is hammering households financially at a time they can ill afford it.

“Just a few years ago we saw protests as the price of petrol reached £1 a litre, yet today motorists would be delighted with a return to that level. That is why the SNP is continuing to push for the introduction of a Fuel Duty Regulator which would see the increased tax receipts from higher oil prices used to lower fuel duty and keep the price of fuel at the petrol pump stable.

“I will also be raising the SNP’s commitment to a rural fuel derogation, so that people in rural areas who have no choice but to use their car are not unfairly hammered with higher costs on the forecourt.”