Liberal Democrat MP Jamie Stone has backed calls for a rural fuel duty cut that would help save families in the Highlands hundreds of pounds this year.
Mr Stone signed a motion tabled by newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord on his first day in Parliament calling for a rural fuel duty cut, and is now calling on Conservative MPs in rural communities to do the same.
The motion calls for Rural Duty Rate Relief to be doubled to 10p and for the scheme to be expanded to more areas during the current spike in fuel prices.
It follows the historic Liberal Democrat by-election victory in Tiverton and Honiton on Thursday, overturning the biggest majority ever in a by-election.
The Liberal Democrats campaigned hard for more help with the cost of living crisis and support for rural communities being hit hardest by record petrol and diesel prices.
Combined with the party’s plans to slash VAT to 17.5%, the fuel duty cut would save a typical driver in the North of Scotland £7.60 each time they fill up their car, or almost £200 a year for those who fill up their car twice a month.
Mr Stone commented:
“People are struggling with the rising cost of fuel, but the Government has failed to act to shield families in my constituency from soaring prices at the pump.
“The historic Liberal Democrat victory in Tiverton and Honiton must act as a wake-up call to the Conservatives that they must do more to support communities like Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross instead of taking them for granted.
“That’s why I’m delighted Richard Foord has used his first day to table a motion in Parliament that calls for urgent action to cut the cost of fuel.
“This would immediately cut 10p off the price of fuel and offer immediate relief to those being hardest hit across the North of Scotland.
“Conservative MPs should join us in the campaign to cut fuel duty and slash VAT, because it’s the right thing to do for those we represent.
“I’m hoping they’ll be able to put politics aside and support this campaign.”
