Overview
- SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney launched a campaign calling on the UK Government to cut fuel prices during a sharp rise in energy costs.
- He urged Westminster to cancel the fuel duty rise due in September and to remove VAT on fuel for the length of the crisis.
- Swinney linked the jump in oil and gas prices to US and Israeli action in Iran and warned the squeeze on household budgets will deepen.
- He cast Scotland as an energy‑rich nation held back by Westminster control and said independence would let Scotland use its resources to cut bills.
- The UK Government cited an extended 5p duty cut to September as support, and Scottish Labour said the SNP has failed on energy policy.