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Isles SNP slams Labour's "hypocrisy" on RET 10/2/12
Western Isles SNP has questioned the sincerity of Labour in the Western Isles over the issue for RET for haulage, reminding them that, in the 2007 election, Labour opposed the introduction of RET, describing it then as “the economics of the mad house”. Candidate Bob Duncan indicated that SNP councillors will continue to make the case for the best possible fares for lorries in the islands.
Bob Duncan, SNP council candidate for Stornoway South, said: “The SNP Government brought in RET, in the teeth of opposition from a Labour party which did nothing to introduce it in government, and which as late as 2007 still described it as “the economics of the madhouse.”
Now the SNP Government is making the scheme permanent for cars, vans and passengers, and extending it in the lifetime of this parliament to the Sound of Barra and Sound of Harris routes.
“Meanwhile, the definition of a small commercial vehicle is to be extended from 5 metres to 6 metres, benefiting many small businesses. All of these measures represent a huge benefit to the island economy, a benefit which Labour denied the islands throughout their time in government.
“This is all happening at a time when, despite the huge cuts being made to Scotland’s budget by Westminster (and apparently supported by the Labour party), RET is being extended. The SNP councillors, along with the local MSP and MP continue to make the case to Transport Minister Keith Brown for a better deal than that originally offered for lorries.
“Of course it is disappointing that RET for lorries is not continuing– clearly this is an issue of great economic importance for the islands.
“The MSP and MP have been representing people’s strong views locally to the Transport Minister, as have SNP councillors. Labour’s fake outrage simply hypocritical, but the SNP will work to elect a Comhairle that reflects the real interests of people in the islands.