MACNEIL CALLS FOR SUSPENSION OF REMOVING RET FROM HAULIERS

Commenting on today’s meeting with island hauliers and representatives of the Scottish Government’s Ferries Division Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus Brendan MacNeil said:

“Scottish Government officials should suspend any increases to ferry fares until a proper consultation is carried out.”
 
“The impact on removing RET is devastating to hauliers and will ultimately impact on every household in the Western Isles.
 
“It has now become apparent that the savings made by withdrawing RET from hauliers would be 1.5 million pounds, I am now calling on the Scottish Government to look again at this issue, with a view to perhaps Highlands and Islands Enterprise assisting. 
 
“I strongly urge Keith Brown MSP, Transport Minister to come to the islands to meet with a group of hauliers and hear firsthand the devastating impact this proposal will have.”
 
ENDS.