The SNP has called on the UK Government to cut VAT on fuel at the Budget as it steps up pressure for greater support for households and businesses across rural Scotland.

Calum Kerr MSP said the Labour Government should look to Ireland for inspiration after the country announced a support package worth almost €1 billion aimed at easing cost pressures.

The measures announced in Ireland include reductions in fuel duty, support for agricultural diesel and direct assistance for farmers, agricultural contractors, fishers, haulage businesses and coach operators.

The SNP argues similar action is needed in Scotland, where reliance on cars and commercial vehicles can make rising fuel prices particularly difficult for rural communities.

Its call comes as households, farms and businesses continue to face the additional costs associated with travelling and operating across large rural areas.

Ireland’s package includes fuel duty reductions of 32 cents per litre on diesel and 27 cents per litre on petrol, alongside a 7.4 cent per litre reduction for agricultural diesel.

It also includes a €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme for farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers, with €40 million per month in direct payments for haulage and coach operators.

Kerr accused the UK Government of failing rural communities and called for action at the Budget.

“The Labour Party has waged attack after attack on rural communities in my constituency and across Scotland.

“Whether it be the Family Farm Tax, backing Brexit, letting energy bills spiral out of control or hiking National Insurance, the onslaught on rural Scotland has been relentless.

“Our farmers just want to get on with delivering food security and jobs in Scottish communities, but fuel costs are ramping up costs to unaffordable levels.

“While the UK Labour Government sits on it’s hands, just a few miles across the Irish Sea we see an independent, European, nation taking decisive action to support their rural communities through a €1bn support package.

“Andy Burnham’s ‘listening tour’ hasn’t made it north of the border yet, but he doesn’t need to cross the Tweed to remove VAT on fuel at the budget.

“In energy rich Scotland filling up the tank shouldn’t mean emptying the bank account, but while Scotland has the energy, Westminster sets the price.

“Through a fresh start with independence, we could use our vast energy wealth to back Scottish communities just like small, independent, nations across Europe are doing right now.”

The comparison with Ireland forms part of the SNP’s wider political argument for independence, but the question of fuel costs has particular significance across rural and island Scotland.

Longer distances, limited public transport and the practical realities of farming, fishing and other rural industries mean changes at the pump can quickly feed through into household and business costs.

The SNP now wants the Chancellor to use the Budget to reduce that pressure through a cut in VAT on fuel.