Oil crisis 'sends Scottish Labour to ground'

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson has today called on Wendy Alexander to outline her position on Scotland’s current oil crisis and the importance of establishing an oil fund to put aside a portion of current oil revenue for investment in Scotland’s future.

Mr Gibson’s call comes after Labour in the Scottish Parliament failed to set out their position on rising fuel prices, the damage being done to Scottish business and industry and the First Minister’s call for a share of the current windfall to be invested for Scotland’s future.

Mr Gibson said
“Wendy Alexander has u-turned on an independence referendum, will she u-turn on oil.
“Across Scotland businesses, public services and individuals are being hit by the rising cost of fuel. Will she back the SNP’s proposal for a fuel duty regulator to reduce the impact of these dramatic price rises on Scotland and the rest of the UK?

“Wendy Alexander must also explain where she stands on Scotland’s oil revenues – will she support the First Minister’s call for 10% of the current oil windfall to start an oil fund for Scotland’s future and to insure our vital public services against rising prices.

"With accountants Grant Thornton reporting a windfall to the Treasury of £1.1 billion since May and Government figures showing the Treasury will make an additional £4-5 billion in oil revenues surely now is the time for Scotland to put some of those resources aside to invest in our future.

"The silence from Labour in Scotland is deafening. If Scottish Labour really wants to stand up for people in Scotland they should be lobbying their UK colleagues for a change in the system and a share of the windfall.

“Across Scotland vital public services, farmers, fishermen, hauliers and manufacturers are all seeing the price of fuel go through the roof. And the knock on effect has seen food prices shoot up for hard working families. Businesses are becoming unsustainable, councils are having to divert funding and yet Labour refuse to see any problem.

"English MP and former Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman has managed to speak out when will Wendy Alexander?”