Scotland's First Minister has said he is "surprised" the Prime Minister will not be bringing his UK tour to Scotland. It is understood Andy Burnham will not be coming to Scotland as he tours the country talking to people about the cost of living.
Swinney questions tour omission
Speaking to the Press Association during a visit in Fife on Wednesday, John Swinney said the Prime Minister would face questions about the Labour-led Government's plans to cut energy bills.
"I'm surprised the Prime Minister's decided not to come to Scotland as part of his listening tour," he said.
Energy bill concerns raised
"But I think if he did come to Scotland, people would be wanting to say to him that they're deeply concerned about the fact that his Government has failed to live up to the Labour election promise to cut fuel bills by £300 because, as a consequence of the price cap announcements today, bills are now £250 higher than when Labour came to office."
"Labour have totally failed to cut energy bills as they promised. And in an energy-rich country like Scotland, what that says to me is that Scotland's energy has got to be in Scotland's hands, so that we can reduce fuel bills and use the energy wealth of Scotland to support consumers in our country."
UK Government response
A UK Government source said: "The PM visited Scotland in his first week in office and looks forward to visiting again soon. He will always be on the side of families struggling with the cost of living, which is why one of his first acts in office was to cut VAT from electricity bills this winter."
