UK Government blamed for soaring fuel prices

A survey, released by the AA shows that people increasingly hold the UK Government responsible for high fuel prices and that the high cost of fuel could cost Gordon Brown his government.

The study also shows that motorists say they would vote for a different government should fuel prices rise to between 125p and 149p a litre. In Scotland prices in many places are already above 125p a litre.

The survey comes a week before the SNP’s proposed Fuel Duty Regulator will go before the House of Commons.

Commenting on the survey SNP Treasury spokesman, Stewart Hosie MP, said:

"It is no surprise people have little faith in Gordon Brown and his government when it comes to fuel prices, and alarm bells will be ringing on Labour’s back benches.

"Pleas from across Scotland, where prices already top 125p per litre, are falling on deaf ears. Gordon Brown must commit to scrapping the planned 2p rise in fuel duty and he must do so now.

"Whilst the UK Government rakes in an additional £6 billion in revenue from rising prices, Scotland’s hard-pressed motorists and key industries like farming, fishing and hauliers face real pain at the pumps.

"Labour and the Conservatives may not have convinced motorists that they have a solution, but the SNP is putting forward measures to ease the burden on drivers and industries.

"Next week the SNP will propose the introduction of a fuel duty regulator, adjusting the duty on fuel when the price of oil goes up, stabilising the price.

"The SNP is winning support across the country for our proposal, and next week all parties, including the UK Government have the opportunity to back the fuel duty regulator and make a difference to all those struggling with rising fuel prices."