Scotland's First Minister has accused the UK Government of 'sitting on its hands' regarding rural energy costs. Speaking after a visit to Stranraer in southern Scotland on Thursday, John Swinney said 'frustration has turned to genuine fear' in rural Scotland over the cost of energy due to the conflict in Iran.
Comparison with Irish Government
Swinney pointed to the Irish Government's steps to reduce fuel prices through a 750 million euro package. 'Rural Scotland has been hit hardest by the ongoing energy emergency, yet the Westminster Government that controls Scotland's energy has done nothing to help,' he said.
Impact on Rural Communities
'With the price of oil spiking again in recent days, frustration has turned into genuine fear amongst Scotland's rural and farming communities,' Swinney added. 'If Westminster won't act, they should hand over energy powers to a Scottish Government that will.'
He noted that across the water, an independent government in Ireland has cut fuel costs and provided financial aid to farmers, hauliers, and fishing businesses. The Irish actions, he said, 'underscored why energy has been such a defining part of this election campaign.'
SNP's Energy Devolution Demand
One of the SNP's key asks is the devolution of energy policy to Scotland, which the UK Government is unlikely to provide. 'The SNP wants to bring costs down – and the other parties want to stop us,' Mr Swinney claimed.
'They want people to vote for an opposition to stop things happening; I am asking people to vote for an SNP government to get things done. The best way to ensure we can deliver is by electing a majority SNP government – one that supports people with the cost of living, locks out Nigel Farage, and delivers the fresh start of independence.'
The UK Government has been contacted for comment.
