Government bends after fuel debate

THE UK government is to carry out a thorough examination of how reduced rates of fuel duty operate in European island communities.

The move comes following a 90 minute debate on high fuel prices in Scotland’s rural and island communities.

The debate was secured by Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael, who has been campaigning against the high petrol and diesel prices in the isles since he was elected to parliament nine years ago.

Yesterday (Wednesday) Mr Carmichael said the announcement that a “proper examination” was to be carried out by officers was a first step in the right direction.

Mr Carmichael has pointed out for many years that other EU member states successfully operate discounts on fuel duty for their island communities.

The MP said: “Treasury ministers in the UK have always claimed that a reduced rate of fuel duty could not be made to work in the UK, this is the first time that they have ever been prepared to look at how other countries manage to do what they seem to find so difficult.

“We are far from getting what we need and want on this important issue but it is a significant and important piece of progress.”