Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has this week warned that the crisis in Libya makes UK Budget fuel tax help all the more necessary.

Calling for decisive action in Wednesday's Budget, Jim Hume said:

"The crippling cost of fuel is hitting families, individuals and every business across the South of Scotland where cars are a necessity, not a luxury.

"Britain's involvement with international action in Libya will go on for some time. Gaddafi is promising what he calls a long war. So with uncertainty across the oil producing Middle East and the inevitable profiteering of international oil speculators then the price of fuel will only go in one direction - up.

"The UK Government must take action. Wednesday's Budget must include cuts in petrol and diesel tax. That's a concrete way that the Government can help everyone across Scotland. I want that to happen.

"The Chief Secretary, Danny Alexander MP, knows the impact rising oil prices are having on the country. The UK Government needs to take firm action to help. I trust we will see a change of approach from the UK Government on Wednesday.

"That would be in marked contrast to the complete indifference the former Labour Government exhibited when faced with similar challenges of spiking oil prices."