SNP candidates for the Highlands and Islands have called for action to mitigate spiralling energy costs as they warned of “acute pressure” on homes and businesses.
In a joint statement, party hopefuls for Argyll and Bute; Caithness, Sutherland and Ross; Inverness and Nairn; Moray; Na h-Eileanan an Iar; the Orkney Islands; the Shetland Islands; and Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch called for much more significant support.
Accusing the Westminster Government of a lack of “clear and robust action”, the candidates urged UK Ministers to commit to longer term help with heating bills, an end to a planned fuel duty increase, and the removal of VAT from fuel duty during the crisis.
The party said it would call for energy to be devolved to Scotland "on the first day of parliament" if it is re-elected to power.
In a joint statement they said: “The war in Iran has spurred a global energy crisis that is unparalleled in recent years, which may continue to cause serious disruption for some time to come.
"In Scotland, this crisis is especially damaging to people living and working in rural areas.
"In the face of this crisis, a lack of clear and robust action by the UK Government is alarming.
“As SNP candidates for constituencies in the Highlands and Islands region, we are witnessing acute pressure on homes, businesses, fishing and agriculture.
"People in our region already pay far more to stay warm, work, and get where they need to be.
"A spike in costs after the conflict threatens to tip many households over the edge."
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The candidates welcomed additional support by the UK Government for people who heat their own homes with oil but added: "The SNP Scottish Government more than doubled this and have already opened the fund here for applications of up to £300.
"This support is targeted out of necessity, and with heating oil bills having more than doubled in many areas, we need confirmation from the UK Government of longer-term support.
“We also need the introduction of proper regulation of this energy sector, including a cap on the cost of heating oil and LPG in the same way that electricity and gas consumers are protected – something that the SNP has long been calling for.
"Ultimately, powers over energy must to be fully devolved to Scotland and this is precisely what our party will call for on the first day of the new parliament.
“The UK Government must also urgently commit to mitigate sharply rising costs for petrol and diesel.
" Failing to act will have a long term and serious impact on people in the Highlands and elsewhere."
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