Hauliers descend on London in latest fuel protest

Speaking as yet more fuel protests took place in London, SNP Westminster Treasury spokesperson, Stewart Hosie MP, has urged MPs to back proposals for the introduction of a Fuel Duty Regulator which would provide relief for motorists and industry from soaring fuel prices.

The protests are being led by industry bodies, who back the SNP amendment, including the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA). More than 500 trucks are expected to drive through Central London with other hauliers accompanying on foot.

Mr Hosie said:

"For some hauliers this vote will be the last chance to secure fair play on fuel, with many businesses on the brink of going bust because of soaring fuel prices.

"Doing nothing is simply not an option, and I appeal to all MPs to back our common sense proposal for the introduction of a Fuel Duty Regulator.

"Families and businesses cannot cope with the highest fuel prices in the world, and MP’s must see sense.

"In the last year the cost of filling up the family car has gone up by as much as £30 a month, while some estimates show hauliers are paying as much as £37,000 a year to tank up a truck.

"I am delighted with the cross-industry backing the regulator has secured outside parliament, and now we must secure cross-party support in the lobbies so we can protect our economy and public services by introducing some stability at the pumps.

"It is ridiculous that in an oil rich country like Scotland key sectors are struggling to fill their tanks.

"Whilst the Treasury rakes in an onshore windfall from VAT at the pump, and an additional £6 billion in revenue from rising oil prices, Scotland’s hard-pressed motorists and key industries face real pain.

"The Treasury must now see sense and ensure some of this windfall is used for a fuel duty regulator to moderate prices at the pump."