Ross welcomes “positive and constructive” meeting with Chancellor on whisky and fuel duty
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MORAY's Conservative MP Douglas Ross has welcomed the opportunity to have a “positive and constructive” meeting with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of this month’s Autumn Statement.
Mr Ross met with the Chancellor in 11 Downing Street to “make the strongest possible case” that there should be no increase on whisky duty in the statement, which Mr Hunt will deliver on November 22.
The MP stated he will continue to stand up for the interests of the whisky industry, a crucial sector in Moray and across Scotland.
Continued UK government support for those hit hard by the cost of living crisis in Moray was also on the agenda, with Mr Ross noting that thousands of people across the region have already benefited from cost-of-living payments and money provided to help pay energy bills.
Speaking afterwards, he said that the meeting with the Chancellor was a “prime example” of a Scottish MP working closely with the UK government to deliver for the interests of people of Moray, as well as right across Scotland, something which he said was in stark contrast to the “divisive politics” of the SNP.
Mr Ross continued: “I was pleased to have this opportunity to meet with the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Statement which will take place later this month.
“The meeting was positive and constructive and the Chancellor knows in no uncertain terms how strongly I am opposed to any increases in whisky duty in his upcoming statement.
“The industry is so important for jobs and the local economy here in Moray and right across Scotland, and that is why I am calling for a freeze in this this month’s Autumn Statement.
“I also stressed the need for the Chancellor and the UK government to continue to support people who need it most as we head into winter. The UK government’s cost-of-living payments and support on energy bills have benefited thousands of individuals in Moray, which I know has been hugely appreciated by my constituents.
“Given that cars are a necessity, not a luxury in our area, I also stressed how important it is that there is no increase in fuel duty.
“This sort of meeting is a prime example of the benefits of working closely with senior UK government ministers, rather promoting division like SNP MPs continue to do.
“I look forward to continuing my work with the Chancellor and hearing his statement in Parliament.”
