SNP leader John Swinney has declared that Scotland is an “energy superpower” and could “make that energy work for us” with independence. Speaking during a campaign visit to the Highlands on Saturday, the First Minister criticised the UK Government for failing to act on rising petrol prices amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Fuel Prices in Rural Areas
Mr Swinney noted that people filling up their cars are bearing the cost of Westminster’s inaction, which “simply refuses to act to help people.” He highlighted that fuel prices are a particular concern for rural communities, where car travel is essential. “In energy-rich Scotland, filling up the tank should not mean emptying your bank account,” he said.
SNP's Demands
The SNP has called on the Prime Minister to remove VAT from fuel for the duration of the crisis and to scrap planned fuel duty increases later this year. Mr Swinney argued that Scotland has the energy resources, but Westminster sets the prices, and “it just does not work for us.”
Independence as a Solution
“If Westminster will not act, then they should get out of the road for an SNP Government that will,” Mr Swinney said. He stressed that independence would put powers in Scotland’s hands, allowing the country to take real action to lower prices, similar to other independent European nations like Ireland. “Scotland is an energy superpower, and with the fresh start of independence, we can make that energy work for us, bring down electricity bills, and lower prices at the pumps,” he added.
Rural Manifesto
Mr Swinney was in the Highlands to launch the SNP regional manifesto for the Highlands and Islands. The manifesto includes policies to help young people buy homes, making it easier for them to stay in their communities, more support for childcare, and measures to address the cost of living. Additional plans involve £15 million in flood mitigation, improvements to dangerous junctions and road stretches, and a review of rural bus services to explore franchising opportunities.
“The Highlands and Islands are central to Scotland’s prosperity – and with the SNP and me as First Minister, people will have a government that is always on the side of the Highlands and Islands,” Mr Swinney concluded.
The UK Government and Labour have been asked for comment.
