New Figures Show UK Diesel Tax is Highest in EU, say SNP
Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie today highlighted new figures showing that diesel tax in the UK is the most expensive in Europe and warned that the UK Labour Government must take account of how its road fuel taxes are affecting the transport industry and the costs of goods in terms of economic recovery.
Stewart Hosie said: “While the SNP proposed a fuel duty regulator to limit price increases, Labour are proposing a fuel duty escalator with prices above inflation from next April.
“These latest figures from the European Commission’s Directorate General Energy and Transport – published last week – show that diesel in the UK is already the most expensive in Europe at 1.23 Euros per litre. This compares with an EU average of 1.06 Euros per litre. However, when tax is excluded, the price of diesel in the UK drops dramatically and is the second lowest in Europe at 0.44 Euros a litre. Only Bulgaria is lower at 0.42 Euros a litre.
The Dundee MP who is SNP Treasury spokesman at Westminster is concerned that the high price of diesel is damaging economic recovery in Scotland.
“The Treasury’s diesel tax regime is the highest in Europe. It is a national scandal that, in an oil rich country like Scotland, we are paying over 30p a litre more than motorists in Romania and Bulgaria.
“Key sectors like the haulage industry are reeling from these forecourt costs, and Alistair Darling must use his Pre-Budget report next month to bring down the cost of fuel.
“These costs impact on the price of goods in the stores for ordinary households.
“Economic recovery is being slowed by the high cost of transporting goods and raw materials and is making Scotland less competitive in critical global markets.
“Our vital haulage industry and Scottish industry and business need all the support they can get and that is simply not happening with this oppressive fuel tax regime from the UK Treasury.”
Copenhagen Negotiators Should Follow Scotland’s Lead say SNP
Stewart Hosie, Shona Robison and Joe FitzPatrick with Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment
With the Copenhagen Climate Summit now only 12 days away, SNP politicians Shona Robison MSP, Joe FitzPatrick MSP and Stewart Hosie MP joined with the Scottish Government’s Environmental Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead to urge negotiators at the summit to follow Scotland’s lead on greenhouse gas targets.
The summit, which runs from 7-18 December will host more than 8000 representatives from 170 countries, and their deliberations will lead to the Copenhagen Protocol, which will set the direction for the world’s actions to tackle climate change over the next few years.
Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie said: “This is the most important international meeting on climate change ever and Scotland could really help make a difference. Previous summits have seen deadlocked talks resulting in watered-down proposals.
“It is unfair and unfortunate that no representative from the Scottish Government will be allowed to attend, to promote Scotland’s climate legislation as a great example at a time when the world desperately needs good examples.”
“The Vote Earth campaign calls on rich countries to set a target of reducing their emissions by at least 40% by 2020. Scotland has already committed to a 42% cut by that date with the Climate Change (Scotland) Act, passed by Holyrood in June.”
Shona Robison said: “Scotland is leading the world on setting ambitious targets for reductions in emissions. Our Climate Change legislation has set an interim target of 42% reduction by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050. This sends a message that we are serious about tackling this urgent issue, a message which we hope that other countries will emulate.”
Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick added: “Scientists say a reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions of industrialised countries of at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 is vital in order to keep global temperature rise below 2°C.
“It is crucial that the Copenhagen talks agree new and predictable public financing to ensure developing countries can develop cleanly while dealing with the impact of climate change. The summit must unite both the developed and developing world behind a set of achievable proposals, but these need to be ambitious, otherwise we will not effectively tackle the problem.”
Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said: “WWF’s Vote Earth campaign is a great way for the general public to send a strong message to world leaders that they care about tackling climate change. The Copenhagen meeting is the most important discussion of climate change ever.”
Welcome for Rail Station Upgrade
Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick today welcomed the announcement of £500,000 of improvements to Dundee Rail Station by Network Rail and urged rail users to take part in Network Rail’s survey.
Joe FitzPatrick said: “This is good news for Dundee and although it falls short of what we had hoped for, it is welcome and many who have campaigned for upgrades to the look of the station, will be pleased.
“For many years, we have been very conscious of public comments on the appearance of the station. It was often adversely commented upon. With the partnership behind the ambitious Waterfront development, the Scottish Government and Dundee City Council, investing so much into transforming the city and attracting new jobs, it was important that the rail station was upgraded to fit in with the spectacular new city riverfront.
“I would also urge local people and rail users to take part in Network Rail’s Action Stations survey. They are actively seeking a dialogue with those who use Dundee Rail Station and we need to show them how important to Dundee an upgraded rail station can be. We need to promote public transport as a greener alternative and the public and politicians should act to promote Dundee Rail Station and convince Network Rail to keep Dundee Rail Station moving with the times.”
Dundee West Councillor Jim Barrie, whose ward includes Dundee Rail Station said: “Network Rail are committed to an Action Stations 10-point plan which includes making decisions to ensure stations are safe, secure and easy to use, and will attract people to use the rail network. They also aim to ensure that stations provide a hub for other modes of transport and act as a catalyst for development of major cities like Dundee.
“The survey offers a perfect opportunity for Dundee people to tell Network Rail our complaints about the station being below our aspirations to create a modern and dynamic transport hub.”
Congratulations to Carnoustie Panmure Boys under 15s FC
Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie today offered his congratulations to Carnoustie Panmure Boys Football Club Under 15’s on their success in obtaining an Awards for All Grant from SportScotland.
The team will receive £2,195 to purchase a variety of training equipment and team kit including strips, enhanced coaching and training for 3 coaches, winter Astroturf hire, SFA affiliation fee and transport costs.
Stewart Hosie said: “My congratulations go to Dr Bassam Farid Bjeirmi and all the volunteers involved in the club. I’m delighted that young people in the Carnoustie area will continue to benefit from opportunities to play football with Carnoustie Panmure Under 15’s. Participation in sports is such a life-enhancing activity which gives young people a great start in life.”