Sandra's response to Danny Alexander's announcement of consultation on rural fuel price subsidy to match that on islands:
‘This initiative could prove a political confidence trick. It isn't a cut in rural fuel prices, which would be welcome. but rather a consultation with a number of rural areas to see how their fuel prices compare to those on the Scottish islands. The Minister admits any extension to mainland rural areas will be difficult to get European approval for and will probably only be for remote parts of the Highlands. The Government should be taking action right now to bring down the cost of fuel for all motorists by cutting VAT for example.’
‘This initiative could prove a political confidence trick. It isn't a cut in rural fuel prices, which would be welcome. but rather a consultation with a number of rural areas to see how their fuel prices compare to those on the Scottish islands. The Minister admits any extension to mainland rural areas will be difficult to get European approval for and will probably only be for remote parts of the Highlands. The Government should be taking action right now to bring down the cost of fuel for all motorists by cutting VAT for example.’