As Labour lick their wounds from the Crewe and Nantwich by-election, SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson, Angus MacNeil MP, has called on the Prime Minister to prove he understands why voters are so angry with the UK Government by taking immediate action over the cost of fuel.

Mr MacNeil, the MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, pointed out that the price of fuel in his constituency had reached £1.42 a litre for diesel, and £1.26 a litre for petrol.

Mr MacNeil said:

"Gordon Brown says he feels people's pain over rising costs, but why doesn’t he prove it by taking action over fuel prices?

"People want action now, not more hand wringing from the Prime Minister.

"Fuel prices are crippling business and hitting motorists across Scotland.

"Hauliers are being priced out of business by rising costs now. Our farmers are struggling to make ends meet because of fuel and other energy costs, and families are seeing weekly fuel bills go through the roof.

"As one of the world's largest oil producers Scotland should be enjoying the benefits of record oil prices, instead of feeling the pain at the pumps.

"The SNP’s proposed fuel tax regulator is the common sense answer.

"As the price of fuel goes up the level of tax comes down meaning industry and the public are not hit by rising taxes as well as rising prices.

"Long suffering motorists and hard-pressed hauliers should have some degree of protection from rising oil prices – and that is what the SNP’s proposals for a road fuel regulator provides.

"If Gordon Brown won’t take action to protect consumers from crippling fuel costs, then control over oil and gas revenues should be passed to the Scottish Government who will provide relief for hard pressed motorists."