Scotland’s First Minister has accused the UK Government of “sitting on its hands” on rural energy costs.
Speaking following a visit to Stranraer in southern Scotland on Thursday, John Swinney said “frustration has turned to genuine fear” in rural Scotland over the cost of energy as a result of the conflict in Iran.
He pointed to the Irish Government’s steps to bring down fuel prices in a 750 million euro package.
Very positive response for our candidate Emma Harper and for @theSNP on the streets of Stranraer.
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) April 30, 2026
From Shetland to Stranraer, make it #BothVotesSNP on Thursday next week for a government that’s always on Scotland’s side. pic.twitter.com/m6EBHV0Tbl
“Rural Scotland has been hit hardest by the ongoing energy emergency and yet the Westminster Government that controls Scotland’s energy has done nothing to help,” he said.
“With the price of oil spiking again in recent days, frustration has turned into genuine fear amongst Scotland’s rural and farming communities.
“If Westminster won’t act, they should hand over energy powers to a Scottish Government that will.
“While our rural and farming communities watch a Westminster Government stubbornly sitting on its hands, a few miles across the water they see an independent government in Ireland that has cut fuel costs and provided financial aid to farmers, hauliers and fishing businesses.”
The Irish Government’s actions, he said, “underscored why energy has been such a defining part of this election campaign”.
One of the SNP’s key asks is the devolution of energy policy to Scotland, which the UK Government is unlikely to provide.
“The SNP wants to bring costs down – and the other parties want to stop us,” Mr Swinney claimed.
“They want people to vote for an opposition to stop things happening, I am asking people to vote for an SNP government to get things done.
“The best way to ensure we can deliver is by electing a majority SNP government – one that supports people with the cost of living, locks out Nigel Farage, and delivers the fresh start of independence.”
The UK Government has been contacted for comment.
