SNP call for 'fair' fuel prices

The SNP called for lower fuel duty in remote communities

The SNP has pledged to champion "fairer" fuel prices, after saying duty had gone up by 45% under Labour.

On the UK election campaign trail, the party said a fair fuel regulator was needed to protect motorists from "soaring fuel prices".

The Nationalists also called for lower fuel duty in island and remote areas.

The party's deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon said that in 1997 fuel duty was 39p of every pound spent on fuel, but now stood at 57p.

Ms Sturgeon's comments came as she campaigned in Edinburgh with Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and candidates George Kerevan, standing for Edinburgh East, and Calum Cashley, standing for Edinburgh North and Leith.

Deputy Scottish First Minister Ms Sturgeon, said: "Soaring fuel costs hit families and business across Scotland hard.

"Not only does it impact on road users in rural areas already, but it has a knock-on effect on everything from public transport to the goods we buy in shops.

"The failure of the London parties to act on fuel prices shows how little they understand of the key issues across Scotland."