The SNP has called on the Chancellor to deliver stronger support for households facing rising energy bills, as pressure builds ahead of a Westminster statement expected later today.
The intervention comes amid comparisons with Ireland, where the government has announced a series of immediate measures to reduce fuel costs and support households.
Those measures include cuts to excise duty on petrol and diesel, targeted support for hauliers and further planned assistance on home heating and agricultural fuel.
In contrast, criticism has been directed at the level of support available to households in Scotland, particularly those reliant on heating oil.
Recent UK measures have been described as limited, with support equating to around £35 per household for some off grid users.
The issue has become a growing point of political debate as families and businesses continue to face higher costs across fuel and energy.
SNP economy spokesperson Dave Doogan said the response from Westminster must match the scale of the challenge.
Dave Doogan MP said:
“While independent Ireland acts, Westminster can’t once again leave people in the cold.
“The economic reality is that people simply can’t afford another massive hike in their energy and fuel bills, therefore the political reality must be that it can’t be allowed to happen.
“The Chancellor has now watched on as Ireland has acted to help their people through this energy crisis, the test today for her and the Labour Party is to match that level of action and support.
“Unfortunately, the reality is that people won’t hold their breath when it comes to expecting real support from Westminster, the only hope of changing Scotland’s story is by taking our energy into our own hands through the fresh start of independence.
“With families and businesses struggling to fill up at the pumps and facing the real fear of energy bills spiking again, they know that Keir Starmer has already broken his promise to cut energy bills by £300 and the Labour Party have barely lifted a finger when people are badly in need of help.
“That is why a central issue in the Holyrood election campaign is going to be who is in control of Scotland’s energy, the Westminster establishment or the people of Scotland?
“It is clearer by the day that no Westminster government can be trusted with our energy wealth.
“It is Scotland’s energy and the benefits of it should be felt by the people of Scotland.
“Our nearest neighbour, Ireland a small, independent country in the European Union has the wealth and the will to help its citizens when they need it most.
“An independent, energy rich Scotland could act in the very same way for all our people.
“With full control over our energy resources, we can bring energy bills down.
“That only comes with the fresh start of independence and that is what only the SNP can offer to the people of Scotland at this election.”
With energy prices forecast to rise further, the debate over support measures and long term control of energy resources is expected to play a central role in the weeks ahead.
