Moray MP Douglas Ross says he welcomed the opportunity to have a “positive and constructive” meeting with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of this month’s Autumn Statement.
Douglas 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 Jeremy Hunt will deliver on November 22.
Douglas says he will continue to stand up for the interests of the whisky industry, a crucial sector in Moray and across Scotland.
Douglas says that he also continued to stress the importance of the UK Government continuing to provide support during the cost-of-living crisis to those who need it most in Moray, thousands of whom have already benefitted from cost-of-living payments and money provided to help pay energy bills.
He says that the meeting with the Chancellor is 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, which is in stark contrast to the “divisive politics” of the SNP.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “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 benefitted 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 next week.”
