SNP candidates for the Highlands and Islands region have called for action to mitigate spiralling energy costs as they warn of “acute pressure” on homes and businesses.
In a joint statement they are accusing the Westminster Government of a lack of “clear and robust action”. The candidates urge UK Ministers to commit to longer term help with heating bills, an end to a planned fuel duty increase, and the removal of VAT from fuel duty during the crisis.
And they pledge to “fight for just and timely support” should they be elected to the Scottish Parliament in May.
The joint statement reads as follows:
“The war in Iran has spurred a global energy crisis that is unparalleled in recent years, which may continue to cause serious disruption for some time to come. In Scotland, this crisis is especially damaging to people living and working in rural areas. In the face of this crisis, a lack of clear and robust action by the UK Government is alarming.
“As SNP candidates for constituencies in the Highlands and Islands region, we are witnessing acute pressure on homes, businesses, fishing and agriculture. People in our region already pay far more to stay warm, work, and get where they need to be. A spike in costs after the conflict threatens to tip many households over the edge.
“While support announced by the UK Government for those who heat their homes with oil or LPG was a start, the SNP Scottish Government more than doubled this and have already opened the fund here for applications of up to £300. However, this support is targeted out of necessity, and with heating oil bills having more than doubled in many areas, we need confirmation from the UK Government of longer-term support.
“We also need the introduction of proper regulation of this energy sector, including a cap on the cost of heating oil and LPG in the same way that electricity and gas consumers are protected – something that the SNP has long been calling for. Ultimately, powers over energy must be fully devolved to Scotland and this is precisely what our party will call for on the first day of the new parliament.
“The UK Government must also urgently commit to mitigate sharply rising costs for petrol and diesel. We would urge UK Ministers to scrap the planned fuel duty increase and remove VAT from fuel duty for as long as the energy crisis continues. Failing to act will have a long term and serious impact on people in the Highlands and elsewhere.
“We sincerely hope that the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran holds and leads to lasting peace in the Middle East region. The UK Government must prepare for the eventuality that it does not and set out decisive actions it would take to protect homes and livelihoods. If elected in May, we will fight for just and timely support.”
Signed:
- Jenni Minto, SNP candidate for Argyll and Bute
- Maree Todd, SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross
- Emma Roddick, SNP candidate for Inverness and Nair
- Laura Mitchell, SNP candidate for Moray
- Alasdair Allan, SNP candidate for Na h-Eileanan an Iar
- Robert Leslie, SNP candidate for Orkney Islands
- Hannah Mary Goodlad, SNP candidate for Shetland Islands
- Eilidh Munro, SNP candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch
Elections to The Scottish Parliament take place on Thursday 7 May.
Orkney Constituency – 5 candidates:
- John William COUPLAND – Reform UK
- Jamie HALCRO JOHNSTON – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Robert Fraser LESLIE – Scottish National Party (SNP)
- Mike MACLEOD – Scottish Labour Party
- Liam Scott MCARTHUR – Scottish Liberal Democrats
Highlands and Islands Region – Candidates:
| Name of Party | Description of Party | Candidates on Party List (in order to be elected) |
|---|---|---|
| Advance UK | 1. Matt Sheppard 2. Steve Skerrett | |
| Alliance to Liberate Scotland | Alliance to Liberate Scotland For Independence | 1. Brian Nugent 2. Andrew Ross Macdonald 3. Kenneth Mackenzie 4. Laura Hansler 5. Allan Duffy 6. Flora Badger |
| Independence for Scotland Party | Independence for Scotland Party, Direct Democracy | 1. Fiona Nelson |
| Independent Green Voice | Independent Green Voice – Organic, Local, Democratic | 1. Nicola Siddall |
| Reform UK | 1. Vic Currie 2. Max Bannerman 3. Amanda Hampsey 4.Fred Campbell 5.Malcolm McTaggart 6. Jon Whitton 7. John Coupland | |
| Scottish Christian Party “Proclaiming Christ’s Lordship” | 1. Donald MacLeod Boyd | |
| Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party | 1. Tim Eagle 2. Jamie Halcro Johnston 3. Helen Crawford 4. Ruraidh Stewart 5. George Macpherson 6. Peter Wallace 7. Donald Mackenzie 8. Douglas Barnett | |
| Scottish Family Party | Scottish Family Party – Christian values | 1. Kenny Stone 2. Allan MacEachen 3. Rachel Michelle Gibson 4. Eva Morrice 5. Harriet Amelia Mary Woolmore |
| Scottish Green Party | Vote Scottish Greens – Let’s demand better | 1. Ariane Burgess 2. Kristopher Leask 3. Kate Willis 4. Dræyk Van Der Hørn 5.Alex Armitage 6. Anne Thomas 7. Julie Christie |
| Scottish Labour Party | Scottish Labour – Scotland Needs Change | 1. Isla McCay 2. Donald MacKinnon 3. Eva Kestner 4. John Erskine 5. Mike MacLeod 6. Callum George 7. Shaun Fraser 8. David Blair |
| Scottish Liberal Democrats | 1. Morven-May MacCallum 2. Alan Reid 3. Declan Gallacher 4. Angela Margaret MacLean 5. Robert Denis James Rixson 6. Guy Grieve 7. Fiona Bennett | |
| Scottish Libertarian Party | 1. Nathan Lumb | |
| Scottish National Party (SNP) | 1. Maree Todd 2. Robert Leslie 3. Emma Roddick 4. Hannah Mary Goodlad 5. Eilidh Munro 6. Jérémie Fernandes | |
| Scottish Rural Party | 1. Alasdair Fletcher 2. Ruaridh Ormiston | |
| Scottish Socialist Party | Scottish Socialist Party – Independent Socialist Scotland | 1. Willie Hamilton 2. Brenda Nicholson |
| Workers Party of Britain | Workers Party – Scotland | 1. Syed Hussain |
| Independent | Duncan Macpherson; Mick Rice |
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